Regarding Fishless Cycling!

[Sanjay]

Hi all!!
After losing 6 fish, I am in the 3rd week of a fishless cycle.
The ammonia levels are 0 every 10/12 hours and I'm still topping it up to 4ppm every time I test.
The nitrate level is 20ppm.
When I test the nitrite level, the drops are turning very dark purple instantly in the bottom of the test tube.
How long does it generally take for the nitrite level to drop??
I am doing this patiently as I dont want to go through the stress and upset of losing fish again but it would be nice to know as I would know what kind of timescale I am working towards.
I have a Jewel 54litre tank and have an airstone to add oxygen via aeration. I am testing the levels twice a day using an API Master Test Kit.
All advice is greatly appreciated as I know the advice on this forum is top-notch and worth its weight in gold!!

 

[the_lock_man]

It's great that your ammonia is hitting 0 after 12 hours, but sadly it takes a little while for the nitri-temunching bacteria to catch up.
 
I would suggest you drop your ammonia dose to 2ppm, otherwise the bacteria can get a bit overwhelmed. When they are processing 2ppm in 24 hours, then up the dose again to 3ppm and wait for them to process it all in 12 hours.

 

[fluttermoth]

That result means your nitrite is off the scale.
 
You don't have to, but some people like to do a water change to bring the nitrite down to a readable level; it makes it easier for you to see when it starts to drop

 

[Sanjay]

Thanks very much for your advice the_lock_man and fluttermouth!!
Its always great how quick and worthwhile the responses are here!!
Will certainly adjust the ammonia dosages and definitely do a water change!!
I know the results will pay off in the long run and cant wait to stock my tank and see it up and running!!