Is the nitrogen cycle over?

[robertfish50]

I know I am way overthinking this, but please help me out. I am in week 5 of cycling my 25g aquarium(fishless, just shrimp) finally tested my water and ammonia and nitrite are good and nitrate is 10ppm. my question is, do I do a water change and add a couple of fish or will nitrates drop and then add fish. I first time I did this(3years ago) I knew nothing and all went well. Now I read and read and have managed to confuse myself completely. thanks in advance and sorry for the newbe question.

 

[jdl513]

The nitrogen cycle is the conversion of nitrogen based molecules to less toxic forms.
When you add livestock it will generate ammonia waste that is converted to nitrite then nitrate by bacteria that live on the porous surfaces of the aquarium.
Completing the nitrogen cycle means having these bacteria established in sufficient numbers to convert the ammonia that is generated to nitrate.

Nitrate is the end product of the cycle and needs to be removed.
This can be done through water changes, skimming, chemical media, reactors etc.

The addition of new livestock will cause an increase in ammonia as the bacterial population adjusts.
Nothing to fear so long as you don't go overboard adding too much too fast...like everything in this hobby it is always best to take your time.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I know I am way overthinking this, but please help me out. I am in week 5 of cycling my 25g aquarium(fishless, just shrimp) finally tested my water and ammonia and nitrite are good and nitrate is 10ppm. my question is, do I do a water change and add a couple of fish or will nitrates drop and then add fish. I first time I did this(3years ago) I knew nothing and all went well. Now I read and read and have managed to confuse myself completely. thanks in advance and sorry for the newbe question.

The primary concern is ammonia. Nitrite will decline but doesn't matter as it isn't toxic in seawater. Nitrate may never decline, but the initial cycle can be over.