ALMOST there...

[ThisIsGoofy]

Nitrite level about .1 today, nitrate about 2.5 ppm (in-between colors for 0 and next color on both charts). Ammonia has been at 0 for 12 days now. My question is this... when nitrite reading is 0 can I buy a couple of fish in the next day or two afterward or should I still read daily and wait for X number of days at zero? I did read Lady Hobbs' cycling instructions but I'm still not sure about a safe day to add some new little pals. Such a good feeling to see the numbers fall. Patience pays off.

[Cliff]

I always like to test it a few days to make sure

Once Ammonia and nitrite are at zero, I will bring the ammonia back up to 1 ppm. If after 24 hours there is zero ammonia and nitrite, the cycle is done. I will complete this test for 3 or 4 days in a row just to be safe

Don't forget about a very large water change (80 to 90%) just before adding fish

[ThisIsGoofy]

Thanks. How do I purposely increase ammonia? I have two tetras in the tank right now.

[Cliff]

Sorry, I though your were doing a fishless cycle.

Do NOT listen to my earlier post

Once you keep getting zeros on both ammonia and nitrite for a few days, you should be done.

Just make sure to add any new fish slowly over a longer period of time

[Lady Hobbs]

You'll going to have to stock very slowly is you only cycled with 2 tetra's. You have only grown enough bacteria to support those fish you currently have. I wouldn't add any more than just 2 or 3 every couple of weeks.

[ThisIsGoofy]

I will only add two more of something next time, then wait a while for next two. In no hurry, just want to do this right.