fishless cycling

[halfcent]

I am presently cycling a 33 gal aquarium using the fishless method. My ammonia levels are under control, I am adding approx 2.5pmm of ammonia daily and have zero readings after about 8 hours. I do have high Nitrite readings and high Nitrate readings. Right now I am just waiting for my Nitrites to spike and then go down. My question is: can I safely add a Betta at this time? As I say my ammonia is under control and the other two are coming along nicely. The only reason I ask is I have to go to the local LFS and I would pick one up while I was there.(I feel really sorry for them)
Anyway, any help will be very much appreciated.
Cheers

[LolaQuigs]

I would wait until the tank is finished cycling; the high nitrites could harm him. If you want to get a new fish tonight, you could get him and keep him in a temporary container until your nitrites have spiked and gone down. Once they start to get high, you should only have a few days (week tops) until the cycle is complete.

[halfcent]

Yes, you are right I will wait for the cycle to finish. I could put one in a small container but then I would not have a heater for it. Best to have some patience and wait it out.

[LolaQuigs]

You could always float his temporary container inside your big tank, that way he isn't exposed to the high nitrites, but the heated water from the tank will keep him warm. Best of both worlds! Good luck on your new fish and with the rest of your cycle, I bet your new guy will LOVE such a huge tank!