Fishless Cycling

[Missy]

I'm on day 13 of my first fishless cycle. I have nitrates. High, around 5. I also have high ammonia, high around 6 maybe higher. I was reading other posts on this subject and the majority of the 55 gals being cycled were adding approx 5ml then reducing to 2.5 once nitrates are visible. I had been doing the same thing but the others report ammonia around 3 or so. Why is mine so high?. Should I keep goind with 2.5 per day or should I reduce the amount more.

Also, how do I know for sure that the bacteria built up at the end of the cycle is sufficient for the fish load.

Am I correct in understand too that I should add all the fish at the same time so that the bacterial load does not decrease???

Thanks in advance.

 

[bodyshop20]

Add the fish a few every week, or the cycle will go mad and fish will die for sure.
I have a 60 gallon tank and it has taken a while to get it right, And the best rule i have learnt is slowly dose it.
Impatiences will lead to failure and costly

 

[Missy]

But I'm not sure I understand. If you fishless cycle isn't the beneficial bacteria already built up and by not adding all of the intended fish at one time won't there not be enough ammonia to feed the bacteria. I would like a definitive answer from someone. I thought I had ready to add them att one completely cycled.

Alien Anna are you out there You seem to be our fishless cycle expert.