Can anyone explain?Never seen ammonia spike during cycle?

[RL321]

I never seen an ammonia spike during the cycle, I dosed dr. tims ammonia and added the bacteria. Even right after dosing the ammonia I never seen any ammonia on the kit (salifert). But now after a couple weeks I have nitrate. Its a 40 breeder with a 20 long sump, has had live sand and live rock from the beginning. I added a dead shrimp a little less than a week ago and still no ammonia showing. I took a sample to the lfs and no ammonia with their kit either. They did see low nitites a few days ago. I tested ammonia, nitrite and nitrate last night and the only thing that came up positive was nitrates, Could the cycle be done?

 

[heathlindner25]

Sounds like it.

 

[ICE JUICE]

Could be done. High quality live rock and sand can aid in the cycle.

 

[RL321]

Thanks!!

 

[thegrun]

If the rock was already cycled you most likely never had a cycle since your rock had enough bacteria to process the ammonia you added to the tank.