Still Got High Nitrites

[slowthing]

I've been doing a fishless cycle for almost 4 weeks now. The ammonia is constantly 0ppm when I test but the nitrites are still at 1.0 ppm - does this sound OK. What results would I expect if the cycle had stalled?

 

[rdd1952]

When you add ammonia, how long does it take for it to drop to 0? Also, what type test kit are you using, liquid or strips? Last but not least, what is your nitrate reading?

 

[timmystood]

I would add a few hardy fish now to be honest. The ideal kind of fish is platties. Maybe 4-6 of these guys? Do you like the look of platties?

 

[slowthing]

Thanks for the replies.

The ammonia is dropping to 0 in 24 hrs. Nitrates are between 15 - 20 (our tap water is always 15). The test kit is an API Freshwater Master Test Kit (liquid).

I was thinking of adding some hardy fish at the weekend. Platties seem good to me.

 

[rdd1952]

If the nitrates are still at about the same thing as your tap water, then the tank definitely isn't cycled unless you are running some type filter sponge or media that removes nitrate. Nitro-Zorb among others are supposed to remove nitrate so it wouldn't build up. If you aren't running anything like that, then it's unlikely the tank is cycled as nitrite isn't being converted to nitrate. I just don't know where the ammonia is going.