Why are my cycling going slow

GhostShadow06

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Hi everyone!
This is my first post and this tank (Red sea Max Nano XL) 32Gallon is my first saltwater tank.

It's been 3.5 weeks and to today that I have setup my tank. The only beneficial bacteria that was available here in Sweden that was recognized with people was Microbe-Lift Nite-Out II. So I bought that first hand, I followed to add 15ml to the tank as recommended everyday and the 2 later weeks. I bought Microbe-Lift Special Blend, and used that only once, today after testing I put more for the second time.
I didn't have all my test kits so I could only test this weeks parameters.

Tests:
July 1: had only this 3 from Hannas checker.

alk: 6.2dkh (Hannas)
Nitrate: 2.4ppm (Hannas)
Phosphate: 0.53ppm (Hannas)
Salinity: 1.025
Temp: 25C

July 9: got my API test kit for saltwater and did 10% water change bc my alkalinity was low even though I use Red Sea Coral Pro and I use the recommended dosage for SPS, and that gets my more than 10ppm alk, and I panicked.

Ammonia: 0.5ppm (API)
Nitrite: 0ppm (API)
Nitrate: 2.5ppm (Hannas)
Ph: 8pH (API)
alk: 6.7 (Hannas)
Salinity: 1.025
Temp: 25.3C

July 10: Added a pinch of baking soda for low not being able to raise my alk, and 1 algae wafer to see if I can raise my ammonia, but it still isn't 1ppm, did this the night before July 10.

Ammonia: 0.6ppm (API)
Nitrite: 0ppm (API)
Nitrate: 2.2ppm (Hannas)
Ph: 8pH (API)
alk: 6.4dkh (Hanna)
Salinity: 1.025
Temp: 25.3C

So right now I'm testing everyday, but since Its really hard to get hold of saltwater fish here in Sweden and there is only like 3-4 places in the whole country I found my fav all time clownfish which are Black storms and I ordered them, the place said they are going to ship Wednesday next week and now I am very stressed since I though next week which is the 4th week I should be cycled fully that I read. What do I do? please help! What has made it go slow or is it on track or am I doing something wrong. Today after the 3rd test I put Microbe-Lift Special Blend since I thought people have said the Special Blend even has the other types of beneficial bacteria and since I got reading of 0 nitrite I thought I need more bacteria that convert the ammonia first.
Thanks!
 
hmmm. sounds like you are jumping around a bit much. lets bump this and see if anyone can chime in to give you some help
Can you give me a more thorough explanation? I really need more people giving their opinion!
Thanks
 

WHEN REEFING GETS TOUGH, WHAT KEEPS YOU MOST INVESTED?

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  • I remind myself that rough stretches will pass...just keep reefing

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  • I lean on other reefers for advice or encouragement

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  • Other (Post in the comments)

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