So where am I on the cycle ?

[M4rtin]

Setup 10gal qt tank, everything taken out for cycle except for Siporax.
First day put in raw shrimp, changed my mind 12hr later, took it out and put DR.Tim's One and Only bacteria, and DR.Tim's Ammonium Chloride (per spec).
Here's where I am so far.

11/10/2017
New tank, added raw shrimp
Salinity 35
PH 8.2
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0


12/10/2017
Took shrimp out
Added Dr Tim's one and only used half of 60gal bottle
Added Dr.Tim's ammonia per spec


13/10/2017
Ammonia over 2 off scale
Nitrite 0.05-0.1
Nitrate 0


14/10/2017
Ammonia over 2 off scale
Nitrite 0.05-0.1
Nitrate 0


19/10/2017
Added rest of Dr.Tim's one and only
Ammonia over 2 off scale
Nitrite 0.05-0.1
Nitrate 0

27/10/2017
Nitrite 0.2
Nitrate 2
Ammonia 2


29/10/2017
Nitrite 0.2
Nitrate 2
Ammonia 2

Thought Dr.Tim says you can cycle tank in few days with his live bacteria, I don't think my tank got that memo
Was waiting for ammonia to go down to reapply it again like he states in his videos, still waiting
Was his product a dud and I'm just going through normal tank cycle ?
Not in a rush anywhere.

 

[Idoc]

Its cycled when the tank can process 2ppm ammonia in 24hrs. As many complaints as I've read on this Dr Tim's "system", I think I would steer clear of it. If I were you, I'd just ride it out until that ammonia is zero... then dose up ammonia again to 2ppm and retest in 24hrs. If ammonia remains, then you are not cycled yet... wait for the ammonia to go to zero and them dose up to 2ppm and repeat the process.

Also, might want to test the accuracy of your test kits...test and then take a sample to your LFS. Maybe your ammonia test kit is messing up?

 

[Bullnose]

You're making nitrate so that's a good sign. Agree with Idoc, wait till ammonia goes away. Could take another couple weeks. Good luck!

 

[M4rtin]

When should I shoot for first water change ?
When ammonia is completely gone ?

 

[Idoc]

When should I shoot for first water change ?
When ammonia is completely gone ?

After the cycle is totally complete.