Something to ponder on - do you have any thoughts?
Well, ideally I would agree with nitrite reaching 5 ppm is reason for a water change. Yes, high nitrites cause problems, I have seen it over and over again on these forums. Yes, water changes reduce the likelihood of problems, I have also seen that again and again on here.. Only up to 3 ppm ammonia..? Well, that gives you fewer bacteria to work with, but over 5 ppm ammonia gives you the wrong bacteria, so he's erring on the cautious side of things. I usually go for 4 ppm as my recommendation, it seems to work well.
I also believe in qualifying week, I have seen bacteria go wobbly 2-5 days after finish of cycle all too often, especially if the stocking does not match the ammonia dosing. For 1/4-1/3 stocking, 3 ppm in 24 hours is probably enough, for 2/3-3/4 stocking, I think 4 ppm in 12 hours is more realistic. Quantity of ammonia required does depend on what you want to do with stocking when you are done.
I also believe in 95% water change after cycle is done, before fish are added. Just in case there was something in the ammonia which is not on the label.. these things are often produced or packaged in factories alongside nasty cleaning products which may harm fish.
My cycle target is also 30 day.. + qualifying week. Different water supplies have different amounts of bacteria in them, which can affect the cycle by days.. as can any sort of pH change.
p.s. I will be starting my first fish-less cycle on my own tank in about three weeks, watch my signature for a link!
In all truth the Ammonia isn't really looking a vivid as the card shows for zero however its a million miles away from 0.25. Also the Nitrites have dropped to zero so we need to put some more food (ammonia) into the mix tonight so the poor little dears don't starve 
