Preparing to test my water on Thursday for the first time after I used the MicroBacter bacteria in a bottle that came highly recommended from a knowledgeable fellow from the local fish store that specializes in reef tanks. If I measure this Thursday what should I be looking for from an ammonia/nitrite/nitrate level? I've seen around a few threads that the must have measurements to confirm the cycle is complete is 0 for ammonia/nitrite and nitrates around 25ppm.
Now, if that's correct, and those are the readings I get on Thursday, is it necessary to try and do another form of cycling to ensure I'm good? As a newb, I'd rather be ULTRA safe to ensure it's complete. I've read about the raw shrimp method where you leave it in for 24-48 hours to spike ammonia levels as it decays, and then see if the tank can cycle ammonia levels back to 0 within 24 hours after you remove it. Also saw some old R2R threads from 7 or so years ago where people said they actually used their own urine to confirm/help the cycle! Is that real life? TIA for the help!
Now, if that's correct, and those are the readings I get on Thursday, is it necessary to try and do another form of cycling to ensure I'm good? As a newb, I'd rather be ULTRA safe to ensure it's complete. I've read about the raw shrimp method where you leave it in for 24-48 hours to spike ammonia levels as it decays, and then see if the tank can cycle ammonia levels back to 0 within 24 hours after you remove it. Also saw some old R2R threads from 7 or so years ago where people said they actually used their own urine to confirm/help the cycle! Is that real life? TIA for the help!