cycling - what is it?

[fisher_guzzi]

I have been reading letters on this site and many refer to cycling. What is it? When is it over? Is there a place here I can go and read up on it? or any other place for that matter?
TIA

 

[zeo]

http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=8327

 

[fisher_guzzi]

Excellent. Thanks,

First Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. The last two characters of ammonia helped me to get the IA. NitrIte, then NitrAte.
My nitrite was .5 and nitrate was 40. Then I took out about 3/4 a gallon of water using a siphon hose keeping it near the gravel. Put back water that was sitting for a couple of days in a plastic gallon container that originally help fresh water. I have well water.
Immediately retested and got nitrite of close to .0 and the nitrate was still 40.
Do you have to wait longer to test?

I think I should have already had an ammonia tester. Will buy some today.

Grazie.