New tank cycling issues

[BrandonParham]

started up new 40 gallon breeder tank 3 weeks ago and have been dosing quick start beneficial bacteria. I have followed correct dosage per bottle instructions and 1.5 bottles into this cycle. Using API test kit

Filtration
Filter floss
Carbon
Chemi blue and Purigen
Bio rings

Protein skimmer

Week 3 test results
Ammonia: 5ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 5ppm

Week 4 today
Ammonia: color is between 0ppm - 0.25
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: color is just under 10ppm

Question
Has my tank completed the cycle and should I do water change to reduce the ammonia?

 

[Garf]

Has my tank completed the cycle

Yes, looks ok. Don't worry about a little ammonia reading such as zero to 0.25ppm.

 

[Magok]

API tests always show a false positive (something between 0 and 0.25 like yours) for me in saltwater. Since you are 4 weeks into cycle I would dose some ammonia, write down the result and then monitor again in 24 hours to see how much has been reduced. If its zero API test will still show 0.25ppm.
You can also test freshly made saltwater and check the color and how close it is to the color of your tank result.

 

[BrandonParham]

Yes, looks ok. Don't worry about a little ammonia reading such as zero to 0.25ppm.

Awesome! So water change is not necessary?

 

[BrandonParham]

API tests always show a false positive (something between 0 and 0.25 like yours) for me in saltwater. Since you are 4 weeks into cycle I would dose some ammonia, write down the result and then monitor again in 24 hours to see how much has been reduced. If its zero API test will still show 0.25ppm.
You can also test freshly made saltwater and check the color and how close it is to the color of your tank result.

Thank you for sharing and will consider

 

[Garf]

Awesome! So water change is not necessary?

I wouldn't bother, happy reefing

 

[BrandonParham]

I wouldn't bother, happy reefing

 

[BrandonParham]

You

I wouldn't bother, happy reefing

you gave me green light and here ya go hahahaha