cycling 5 gallon - api test results

[labloverl]

I have a 5 gallon that I've had set up and running for 2 weeks now. I was trying to do a fishless cycle by using fish food as an ammonia source. I only had test strips, so I was basically just putting food in and hoping that something good was happening.

Finally got an api test kit today and checked the parameters in the 5 gallon. ammonia = .50, nitrite = .25, nitrate = 0.

Can someone tell me where I'm at here? I haven't done any water changes. I seeded the 5 gallon by running it's filter in my cycled 10 gallon for about 3 days. I added a small amount of the blue stuff from the 10 gallon's filter cartridge along with some gravel from the 10 gallon.

[LebronTheBetta]

You're still almost to the middle. When the ammonia is gone and there's just nitrites, you're in the middle of the cycle. I need to test my 3.5 gallon, never did since I started middle school. :\

[labloverl]

So what do I do? Keep putting a lot of fish food in? Some has settled on the bottom of the tank and is growing mold...

[LebronTheBetta]

Take it out and put a few VERY SMALL pinches in. That would keep the ammonia steady.

[labloverl]

Lol, okay. I've used tropical flakes, and have been putting enough in to fill up about 6 neons.

[LebronTheBetta]

Oh, OK. Make sure it doesn't reach 1ppm.

[Perseusmom]

Sounds like you getting close, you should get some nitrate in a few days I would think...hang in there not much longer soon as the ammonia and nitrite are at 0 you will be done and keep testing once you are for awhile to make sure the levels are all stable.

[labloverl]

I thought that it was okay to have a little bit of nitrite because that could be controlled with water changes?

I'm glad to know that something is happening in there, and I'm not just wasting my time. I'm just winging it, but I'm starting to understand the cycling process just a little. So I'll just keep putting a little fish food in until things stabilize by themselves?

[labloverl]

Also, could I add stuff from my 10 gallon? What would I add?

[LebronTheBetta]

Yes, a little nitrite is fine. Yes, keep putting in more fish food if it falls below 1-2ppm. Yes, you could add stuff from your 10. Either media or gravel will do. Even some decorations.