So I keep hearing all this information stating that there should be some nitrites showing up in your tank and the ammonia and nitrate should be at 0ppm. I disagree with this. From my experience, having 0ppm on all 3 doesn't mean you cycle isn't going properly. I have multiple tank that have 0ppm on all 3 params and have never once had a problem with how my tank cycles. It is overfiltered, flips 13.5/hr. Substrate is cichlid sand,(black and white) and My tank is over populated. Has 13 Mbuna, 4 tetras, 1 large Blood Parrot, one 3 yr old royal pleco and 3 small BN plecos. Have never had any issues with my params. Why is this nitrite so vital to have, as its never affected any of my tanks. Keep in mind that 5 of my tanks are planteed and the 75 cichlid community tank is not. 3 of my tanks including the 75 gallon have been up and running for 3 or more years.