Is my cycle done?

[liongolfer]

I have a 20 gallon saltwater quarantine tank i set up prior to my new display tank getting here (massive backorder) and i am brand new to the hobby. I have been cycling for about 45 days and finally getting nitrites to drop in 24 hours. They had been sky high for weeks. I have an api test kit and Hannah checkers and my question is, is my tank cycled? The api tests as seen show 0 nitrites and 0 ammonia (i dosed to 2ppm yesterday and this is third day in a row with same results dosing ammonia the night before) but my Hannah checkers still show small amounts. They read 0.01 ammonia ppm and 13 PPB (billion) which i believe is 0.013 PPM when converted nitrites. Will the Hannah always show something since they are so sensitive? If i look good on api color chart is that good enough? I’m trying to do everything perfect and i have tons of patience so following all the steps best i can. Thank you!

 

[liongolfer]

Should have mentioned this is a fish less cycle

 

[Fish Fan]

I would think you're good to start slowly adding livestock, just based on the timeframe here.

Good luck!

 

[Tahoe61]

Hi.

You're most likely cycled. Don't worry about nitrite test nitrate. Perhaps consider getting an Ammonia badge for the quarantine.

 

[liongolfer]

Hi.

You're most likely cycled. Don't worry about nitrite test nitrate. Perhaps consider getting an Ammonia badge for the quarantine.

I have an ammonia badge, it’s yellow in like 12 hours after putting in 2ppm ammonia. My nitrate is 67 on the Hannah checker tonight. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Tahoe61]

Proceed with water changes. Start with 5 gallons and test post wc in a few hours. The cycle has not failed, ammonia to nitrite to nitrate.