Fully Cycled

[Boulder Fish]

According to RDD's article, I think I have arrived.
"Once the bacteria are able to process 4 or 5 ppm of ammonia back to zero ammonia and nitrite in about 10 to 12 hours. You are officially cycled."

I am processing 4 ppm of ammonia in under 7 hours...at which point the nitrites read at 2.0. The nitrites are fully processed in under 12 hours.

Obviously I have high nitrates now, which I know I can solve with my big water change.
I can keep this up for as long as it takes, but I think I may be ready for fish. Thoughts?

My tank is 20 gallons with plenty of structures and artificial plants. My substrate is soft sand and eco-complete (so that I can add live plants later). I am planning to stock it with 10 celestial pearl danios (if I can find the proper tank bred stock), and 3 chain loaches (Botia sidthimunki). Once the tank has matured in a few months, I am planning to round out the community with a single dwarf gourami. If I can't find the right celestial pearl danios (Danio margaritatus), I am likely to go with 6-7 pearl danios (Danio albolineatus).

 

[Miss Wiggle]

sounds like you're certasinly nearly there, how many days have you had the 0,0 reading at 12 hrs for?

we recommend that you continue the cycle for 1 week after the first 12 hr 0,0 reading to qualify the filter, if it's still reading 0,0 through the week then you're definately ready for the big water change and fish additions.

 

[Boulder Fish]

I have had the 0,0 readings at 12 hrs for 3 days now. Today (Tuesday) will be the 4th day. Sounds like I can think fish this coming weekend!

How long after the big water change can I add the fish? Do I just need to wait through another 12 hour cycle to make sure the colony is okay?

I am so excited!

 

[Miss Wiggle]

no, just when the water comes up to temp