Fishless Cycle Question

[kll1221]

Ok I am trying to cycle this 10 gallon tank I have with no fish. I followed the instructions in the sticky thread in this forum. Ammonia levels have been at 5 for 3 days. I haven't added any ammonia since 4 days ago. I am getting a 0 on NitrItes and 5 on ammonia consistantly am I not doing something right?

Temp is 84 degrees and I seeded aquarium with gravel and squeezed the filter sponge into it.

I would have thought 5 days later I would have seen some form of nitrites.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Lotus]

It sounds like you're doing everything right. You do need to be patient.

 

[kll1221]

ok thanks I thought I read in about 3-4 days you would see the start of nitrites.

 

[homebunnyj]

Nope, not in my experience anyway. It took six weeks to fishless-cycle my 29gal last year, but it was worth it. It's my most stable tank. I get more enjoyment from it than any other tank I have, except my planted betta tank. I didn't have to lose any fish or do a bajillion every-other-day small water changes like you do when you do a fish-in cycle. I am very glad I patiently cycled it fishless.
I notice you've been here a while. Do you have another tank already set up and cycled? If so, you can swish the filter media from it in the new tank to give you a headstart on your bacteria colony. That'll help out.

 

[kll1221]

Yes I have a 55 gallon tank that I did seed from with gravel and the likes. I didn't fishless cycle that tank like I should have, this one was suppose to be a quantine tank but I want to cycle it while I decide if I should put fish in there or not. I know if I don't I will have to cycle again if I change my mind.