Tank cycle six weeks and no nitrites

[Triggerman1964]

I started cycling my tank March 18. Today is 6weeks and one day,still no nitrites. Have kept ammonia level at 4ppm. Ph is fine. Salinity 1.023,temp 82.
I have wet/dry running,powerhead,and double biowheel for circulation. Tons of air infusion going on and warmer temp. I am using Dr Tim's pure ammonium chloride.
How long did your tank take to cycle?

 

[HumbleFish]

Are you still using the ammonium chloride? I believe all you need is a "spark" of ammonia to get the cycle going, and then you can ghost feed from there on in.

I cycled dry rock with a raw shrimp. Left it in until tested positive for ammonia, removed it, and then ghost fed a pinch of flake food every 2-3 days. Cycle finished in about 6 weeks.

 

[Triggerman1964]

From everything I researched you need to keep the ammonia at least 3ppm during cycling.

 

[Zoodiver]

Have you seeded the system with bacteria, live rock or anything to break down the ammonia you are dosing with?

 

[Triggerman1964]

I am now 12 weeks into trying to cycle my tank with no progress.Have kept ammonia at 3ppm.Ph 8,1.023 salinity,temp 80. Did a 50 percent water change a week ago. Any suggestions as to what is hindering this cycle?

 

[danimallaminad]

do you have liverock in the tank?

 

[NovaSS]

Add one or two raw table shrimp you buy at the store or fish market and let it decay. It will start your cycle.

Dont run any filtering during the cycle including skimmer it just stalls it. only power heads or/and circulation pump.

 

[Triggerman1964]

After 23 weeks and switching from dr tims ammonia to raw shrimp I finally have a strong cycle going.
Ammonia o
nitrites 5ppm
nitrates 120ppm

 

[NovaSS]

when nitrites hit zero you might have to do a couple of large water changes to get the nitrates down to about 20. but remember do to big of a water charge and the cycle might start over

 

[Triggerman1964]

Thanx,will do 80% water change after tank processes ammonia to nitrates in 24 hours.