Good morning everyone! Really happy to be a part of this community and have already learned so much! Been wanting to get into reefing for a very long time and finally pulled the trigger. Got myself a Waterbox 25g Peninsula and officially started my fishless cycling on 4/13/24. I used Carib Sea Arag-Alive sand and Life rock. To start the cycle, I used Dr Tims and then a decently sized pinch of fish food. Been testing for ammonia the past two days and still showing 0 ppm which I imagine is normal for the method I am using.
The question I had is when should I expect to see ammonia levels? I figured it would take a few days until the food starts to break down, but just wanted to make sure I haven't been doing something wrong. Also should I be testing for nitrites if I don't see ammonia? Any and all help is appreciated!
I'll attach some photos of how the tank is looking thus far.
![3.jpg 3.jpg](https://www.reef2reef.com/data/attachments/3541/3541545-92a45c048c967f235dd5c70ca434a836.jpg)
The question I had is when should I expect to see ammonia levels? I figured it would take a few days until the food starts to break down, but just wanted to make sure I haven't been doing something wrong. Also should I be testing for nitrites if I don't see ammonia? Any and all help is appreciated!
I'll attach some photos of how the tank is looking thus far.
![1.jpg 1.jpg](https://www.reef2reef.com/data/attachments/3541/3541541-75674f69a3d874e53b33a0a5b879a454.jpg)
![2.jpg 2.jpg](https://www.reef2reef.com/data/attachments/3541/3541544-00045076c62002167d5d53616b77d642.jpg)
![3.jpg 3.jpg](https://www.reef2reef.com/data/attachments/3541/3541545-92a45c048c967f235dd5c70ca434a836.jpg)