Is it Cycled?

[simplykayla76]

I am cycling a 5 gallon with one of my platy fish for her 3 platy fry which are in a net breeder in my 10 gallon. I set it up 3 or 4 days ago. I did not use any seeded filter media. I did use Tetra Safestart(bottles live bacteria) which has worked for me in the past. And the 5 gallon at one time was cycled but had been sitting in my closet for over a month.

I did my first tests today and was shocked to see cycled readings. 0ppm ammonia, 0ppm nitrites, 10ppm nitrates, and 8.2pH with a temp of 80 degrees. I then waited until just a few minutes ago and tested again...same results!

Is it possible my tank is cycled? Or just false readings and I need to re test in a few days?

[Aurie]

I am by no means an expert.. but my friend who is told me that the smaller the tank the faster the cycle.. I Have a 10 gallon with 2 bettas and 25% every other day water changes and it's been 2 weeks but I'm finally below .25 ammonia, so I guess it depends on what you use. I only used dechlorinator