Trying to cycle qt

[bjtrapjr]

Ok I've had my qt tank up and running for about 2 weeks and trying to get it to cycle. I tried to cycle with a damsel (I now know this is a big no no now thanks to this forum, I took it out and returned it) I dropped some food in and let it sit for like a week I checked my ammonia and is reading 0. I have now dropped 2 raw shrimp tied in a nylon stocking. Now what do I do

 

[W1ngz]

Wait. Just wait. It can take a few weeks to get going, and 6-8 or more weeks to complete.

 

[bjtrapjr]

Ok but how long do I leave the shrimp in there all 8 weeks

 

[reepher315]

Untill you get an ammonia reading. Then remove the shrimp and wait for a reading with no ammonia. Then your really close and should preform a nitrate test.

 

[bjtrapjr]

How long does the smell stay around this is the first time I have cycled with shrimp and I think my wife is going to kill me if the smell doesn't go away

 

[4Hummer]

Why do people cycle with raw shrimp?

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/the-almost-complete-guide-and-faq-to-fishless-cycling/

 

[reepher315]

I never had a smell when I cycled with a shrimp...

 

[bjtrapjr]

Ok so the ammonia alert badge I have in there had seemed to change colors but I can't tell if it's reading alert (.05 ppm) or alarm (.2 ppm) what should I do

 

[bjtrapjr]

 

[bjtrapjr]

And I think the smell has gone away but not really sure I don't have a great sense of smell but I'm sure my wife will let me know if it's still there or not lol

 

[bjtrapjr]

I just test the water with my api test kit (yes I know those aren't super accurate for ammonia) and I think I have a defective ammonia bag because the test is reading at the 4 ppm - 8 ppm level