Fishless cycling: initial ammonia levels

[TigerRegalia]

Hi all,
This is my first time attempting to do a fishless cycle. I started fishless cycling in my 5 gallon tank 1 week ago, and my initial ammonia levels still have not started dropping yet. Why haven't they started dropping yet?? Here are the stats for my tank's equipment and water:

Filter: Hagen Elite Mini Underwater Filter
Heater: Hydor Theo 25 W (cranked all the way up for the cycling)
Test Kit: API Liquid Master Kit
(no seeded material being used; I am using the ammonia from Ace Hardware)
--
Day 1: added .7mL of ammonia
Day 2: added .7 mL of ammonia
(I didn't realize until after I did this that I shouldn't have because then the ammonia levels were too high the next day)
Day 3: Ammonia = 6ppm
-->let tank sit for another couple days to see what happens
Day 4: Ammonia = 6ppm
Day 5: Ammonia = 6 ppm
-->did a partial water change to lower Ammonia levels. After the pwc, the ammonia was down to 4ppm
Day 6: Ammonia = 4ppm; NitrItes = 0ppm
Day 7 (today): Ammonia = 4ppm; NitrItes = 0ppm; pH = 8.0
--
Is the pH preventing the ammonia levels from dropping? Or do I just need to wait a little longer for the ammonia levels to drop?

THANKS! :)

[vilmarisv]

The pH will not affect your cycle.
Are you using 100% ammonia?
How are you "feeding?" the cycle?

[Oldfishlady]

Have patience....it can take up to 6 weeks......

Low pH can disrupt the cycling process since the BB can't colonize well in pH 6 and under.

Try to maintain the ammonia level in the 3-6ppm range...3ppm being ideal...

What kind of dechlorinator are you using and any other additives used....

[TigerRegalia]

Here is the kind of ammonia I am using (Ace Hardware Janitorial Strength)--> http://i48.tinypic.com/29kyumf.jpg
It has no additives, detergents, etc., and is 10% ammonium hydroxide.

I was going to feed the cycle the adding a little of this ammonia everyday, but I didn't want the ammonia levels to go too high again like it did in the beginning. Do I still need to be adding a little ammonia everyday anyway?

OFL-- I am using API Betta Water Conditioner. Do I also need to get a different kind of water dechlorinator?

[TigerRegalia]

I am using the ammonia that everyone recommended for fishless cycling *attached picture of it--> http://i48.tinypic.com/29kyumf.jpg
It has no additives, detergents, etc., and is 10% ammonium hydroxide

I was going to feed the cycle by adding a little more ammonia each day, but I didn't want the ammonia levels to go too high again. Do I still need to add ammonia everyday anyway?

[Oldfishlady]

No, just monitor the ammonia level and maintain it at 3-6ppm....

The product you have should work fine for your ammonia source...and your dechlorinator is fine too....

[TigerRegalia]

Thanks, OFL!! Sorry about the double posting (darn internet)!