You did. Need an initial ammonia source . Whether it be raw seafood , drNot using the API kit anymore, using Red Sea now. Also I did not add ammonia initially… should I have?
Tim’s , fish food , or living fish .
but keep in mind it’s very cruel to use live fish .
it’s not 1980 -1990 anymore .
there are far more humane and easier ways to cycle a tank properly .