Ammonia stuck beginer help

[Freenow54]

So, a little back story: I bought a small tank in the hope of housing some clowns eventually a 57L tank. I have added the correct ammonia according to Dr Tim's one and only, but my API tests are at 8ppm, my salfert is at 1.5ppm, and there has been no sign of moving for about a week. My nitrate fluctuates between 5-20 ppm on both tests. Nitrite is at 5ppm on Salfert and 0on API. After reading many articles contradicting each other, some say doing a water change will help, while others say leaving it. Whats some suggestions? I've also read an article saying higher ammonia in smaller tanks can take longer to cycle and that the bacteria will not die no matter how much ammonia will be added. What to do next?

I notice you did not say how long ago you started. By dr Tim's I assume bacteria added. Mine took 3 months. Was frustrated too but finally finished

 

[DexterKarin]

A week is still very early on despite what dr tim says. I would recommend no water changes but maybe get some other bacteria to add. When it drops it will do it quickly.

 

[Dburr1014]

I had similar advice some years ago. My opinion is water changes do not work. I did continued changes over weeks with no change. I am afraid I cannot remember the situation or cure.

This is to reduce nitrate after cycle.
Water changes do that.

Cycles don't take 3 months. LOL

 

[fishyjoes]

There's a cycling bacteria testing thread that might help

Not all Cycling Bacteria are created equal. Who's who, and what do they need?

My hypothesis is that there are very different types of Bacteria that are being used to "cycle" tanks to prevent ammonia accumulation, and it's not entirely clear which products contain which group, and it's also poorly understood what the requirements are for one of these groups to do their...

www.reef2reef.com

Dr. Tim's is one of the slower products