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As many of you know, I have a 55g that I'm currently cycling. However, I'm not exactly sure on how to do that

I want to do a fishless cycle, and the aquaruim is all set up and running. I also have some gravel from my boyfriend's tank in a mesh bag, to get the bacteria. I add the ammonia 5 drops/10g/day. When the nitrites reach a peak, I decrease the ammonia dosage to 2 drops/10g/day. When the nitrites fall back to zero ppm, it's finished cycling. Am I right?

Also, what if the very first dosage of ammonia was miscalculated (by my boyfriend of course ) and 550 drops were added instead of 30? Should I wait till the ammonia level drops before adding more, or should I empty the water and start fresh?

This is what happens when your boyfriend goes out of town and forgets to leave you instructions

1. Yes, the cycle is over when ammonia and nitrites are both 0.

2. That doesn't matter too much... Just wait 'til it drops. If it's too high, the bacteria may actually be poisoned as well, but I wouldn't be too concerned yet.

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

Just add your fish slowly, not all at once. When I started my 55 gallon I added 2-3 fish a week and it worked out fine.

The cycle finished last week and so far I have an angel, a flame gourami, a dwarf gourami, and 6 red serpaes. I'll be adding 3 or 4 more serpaes, 6-10 (probably panda) cories, and ottos. Any suggestions on what else I can add? My mom wants color, and lots of it. Platties are probably the best bet. I'd let her get rams, but I want those in my tank when I get it

I suggest more angels