Need help with fishless cycling (chemistry chart inside!)

[SharkRacer]

While following the protocol for Dr. Tims One and Only I ran into a snag: my Nitrite test was delayed in the mail so I missed measuring Nitrate for the first 3 days.

My chart looks like the one attached.

Am I doing the right thing by waiting for Nitrite to settle to almost zero, then adding more ammonia and see if the nitrate levels return to near 0 in 24 hours?

I'm also having a heck of a time actually reading the Nitrite test strip, it is really hard for me to tell if I m registering 2.0 or 5.0 (pic attached, please give input!)

 

[Geebs19]

Stop dosing ammonia. Your cycle is progressing showing that your nitrates are rising. Your ammonia is what you want to see go down to 0 in 24 hours. Your nitrates will eventually peak and begin to go down. When did you start the cycle?

 

[HawkeyeDJ]

I wouldn't add any more ammonia. Be patient, friend. The nitrites are dropping. That's what you want. Wait for nitrites to go to zero. Then do a water change to reduce nitrates. Nitrates do not drop as part of the cycle.

Next, drop a little fish food in the tank and re-test ammonia after 24-48 hours. Watch the nitrites rise and drop to zero again. Ammonia should go to zero again. Then you are good to go. Tank is cycled.

 

[SharkRacer]

Stop dosing ammonia. Your cycle is progressing showing that your nitrates are rising. Your ammonia is what you want to see go down to 0 in 24 hours. Your nitrates will eventually peak and begin to go down. When did you start the cycle?

Thanks! I’ve filled the tank with 30lbs CaribSea and ~30lbs cured pukani rock about 2 weeks ago, and added Dr Tims and ammonia 6 days ago.