Ammonia added
NH₃ 2–4 ppmYou are feeding bacteria that do not exist yet. Nothing looks like it is happening.
Six weeks of doing almost nothing, which is the hardest part of the hobby. Here is what the numbers should look like while you wait.
You are feeding bacteria that do not exist yet. Nothing looks like it is happening.
The first bacteria colony is working. Ammonia starts to fall.
The longest stretch, and where most people give up and add fish.
Ammonia and nitrite both read zero within 24 hours. That is the finish line.
A third of the final stock, then wait two weeks. Then the next third.
Test every second day and write the numbers down. A cycle you cannot see on paper is a cycle you cannot trust.