cycle question

[jhaynes]

My lr has been in the tank for about 4 days now i know its still a early but the lr i bought is supposively "cured" i tested it the first day:

 

ph - 8.2

nitrite - 2

ammonia - 0

nitrate - 25

 

I tested it 4 days later with pretty much the same readings:

 

ph-8.2

nitrite - 1

ammonia - 0

nitrate - 25

 

Now my question are these readings normal especially if i bought "cured" lr? and isn't the ammonia suppose to spike? I was also told that throwing a raw piece of shrimp or squid in would help the cycle, and last question when is it safe to put a clean-up crew in? thank for any help.

[slaeyer]

Please browse through this page and read the mini FAQ we've started. It answers many of your questions already. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask them.

[jhaynes]

after reading that and another thread i was wondering....seeing i don't have any ammonia, and ammonia is converted to nitrite by the "good" bacteria, and my nitrite level isn't off the charts does this mean the cycle is almost complete or the cycle hasn't even completely started yet?

[slaeyer]

Actually, either answer may be correct. Only way to tell would be to monitor over time. If amm levels do not increase, then cycle is complete. If they do, then cycle has just begun.

[jhaynes]

okay thanks for the help i'll give it some more time to see what happens.