Another Cycling Question

[ReefinginOntario]

Hello, I've been in the hobby for a few years now but have run into a bit of an odd cycle for my new 150G. I'll be at 5 weeks tomorrow and my nitrites are still showing 1-1.5 on a salifert test kit and were as high as 2+ at some point a couple of weeks ago. I did add 1 ppm ammonia about 3 days ago to see how fast they would convert and it registered however is currently at 0. My nitrates are at 80-100 on a salifert kit, and my phosphates are at 0.03 according to my Hanna Checker.

I used Dr Tim's OAO and their Ammonia Chloridide for the fishless cycle. I have other smaller tanks and my nitrites have always gone down to 0 within 2 weeks but this is my first time using Dr. Tim's. So my question is since I have such high nitrates and marginal phosphates should I consider the cycle complete or do I have to wait for the nitrites to drop to zero? My LFS suggests that I need to wait to get zero nitrites however I have read some posts that suggests that is no longer the case. Is my cycle complete? What should be my next steps?

Thanks in advance!
RiO

 

[Quietman]

Cycle is complete. It's been 5 weeks, you're producing nitrates and processing ammonia quickly. Nitrites are not toxic in saltwater so not really a concern but likely exist from ammonia processing or test kit variables. Do a water change to get the nutrients where you want them and start adding fish.

 

[ReefinginOntario]

Cycle is complete. It's been 5 weeks, you're producing nitrates and processing ammonia quickly. Nitrites are not toxic in saltwater so not really a concern but likely exist from ammonia processing or test kit variables. Do a water change to get the nutrients where you want them and start adding fish.

Thanks. I appreciate the info. I’ll start off with a 50% water change and take it from there.