When is the good timing to put the live stocks into the tank

[1sttimefishkeeper]

Hi everybody:

I am currently cycling my tank for 2 weeks now, by using fishless cycle with live plants. 

I put Ammonia (Dr.Tim) into my tank, and raise the level to 2ppm as suggested, no liquid fertilizer, 5 hrs/day lighting

1st day reading => Ammonia (2ppm), Nitrite(0ppm), Nitrate(0ppm) 

......

12th day reading => Ammonia(0.25ppm), Nitrite(5ppm), Nitrate(60ppm)

I think my nitrifying bacteria in the tank is converting ammonia  progressively to nitrate

Does it mean I am done with cycling the tank once the Ammonia, Nitrite level reaches to 0 ppm ?

So I can put the live stocks into my tank?

 

[DiscusLover]

On 11/15/2022 at 10:00 AM, 1sttimefishkeeper said:

Hi everybody:

I am currently cycling my tank for 2 weeks now, by using fishless cycle with live plants. 

I put Ammonia (Dr.Tim) into my tank, and raise the level to 2ppm as suggested, no liquid fertilizer, 5 hrs/day lighting

1st day reading => Ammonia (2ppm), Nitrite(0ppm), Nitrate(0ppm) 

......

12th day reading => Ammonia(0.25ppm), Nitrite(5ppm), Nitrate(60ppm)

I think my nitrifying bacteria in the tank is converting ammonia  progressively to nitrate

Does it mean I am done with cycling the tank once the Ammonia, Nitrite level reaches to 0 ppm ?

So I can put the live stocks into my tank?

 

Your tank is fully cycled when the nitrite and ammonia is at 0 and your nitrate will be high. That is when you do a 50% wc and add your livestock.

[1sttimefishkeeper]

Thanks for your prompt reply. Will do a WC when both ammonia & nitrite is at 0. 

Hopefully my live plants can use Nitrate as their nutrient before wc.