[earlh]

I have a 45 gallon tank of fresh water fish. I started the cycle process 6 weeks ago. I started with too many fish because I believed the hype about the speed of cycling using live bacteria. It did blow through the ammonia stage but then there was a nitrite spike of about 5 mg/l. Through 25% water changes and more live bacteria, it is down to 1/8 of 1 mg/l. It has been stuck there for about a week. Another 25% water change hasn't helped. What can I do to help it complete the cycle?

Thanks for any help

[firmbeliever]

I am just going to post here to give this a bump and hopefully someone will be able to help you with your aquarium.:)

[AKaeTrue]

Hi you,
You're actually doing the only thing you can do and that is to do small partial water changes and wait.
Once the nitrite level spikes to it's highest point, it will begin to fall and you will notice a nitrate reading.
Once the nitrate reading is present and the nitrite level drop to 0ppm, the tank is fully cycled.
Good luck, not much longer now.