Fishless cycle question

[gm72]

Simple question: My daughter's 5.5 gallon tank is done with its fishless cycle and is ready for her betta. However, we won't get the fish until this Saturday. I think I should just keep adding the ammonia to keep the cycle going, do a large water change on Saturday, then add the fish. Am I right?

[Lady Hobbs]

Yes, but you only need to be adding a small amount to keep the bacteria alive. A few drops.

[Chrona]

I would say keep adding the half dosage, since too little ammonia will result in all that bacteria you built up dying off. Although for a 5.5g, you should not have needed much to get to 2.5 ppm. You are doing a water change before you get the fish anyways (go for like 90% water change) so it doesn't hurt :)

[gm72]

Okay, that is exactly what I was thinking, I appreciate the confirmations since this is only my second fishless cycle ever!

[kx125]

do you guys just use the cleaning ammonia???

[gm72]

You have to use pure ammonia that does not include any surfactants, scents, colors, etc. Just regular pure clear ammonia.

[Incredulous_Ed]

Cleaning ammonia will kill the fish, so you have to see that it is pure.