Is my tank almost cycled?

[OSCARLOVER]

I recently purchased a fish tank 135 gallon and I'm trying to get it cycled. There are no fish in the tank.I'm using a fluval304 canister system- Pre-filter media on bottom and on the middle and top layer I'm using foam. I am also using a Wal-mart brand HOB, the largest one they carry. I believe its called Aqua-Tech 60. I plan on getting 2 more of the same HOB

I took a filter cartridge off of my established tank that houses my two oscars and put it in the HOB to help start the cycle. I placed some rocks and tank decor in to help. I have done testing every other day and need to know if my tank is almost cycled, if not then how long? Thanks!
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Day 1
Ph- 7.6
Ammonia-0.50
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-5.0
----------------
Day 3
Ph-7.6
Ammonia-.25
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-5.0
---------------
Day 5
Ph-7.2
Ammonia-.50
Nitrite-2.0
Nitrate-20
----------------
Day 7
Ph-7.2
Ammonia-0.50
Nitrite-0.50
Nitrate-5.0
-----------------
Day 9
Ph-7.2
Ammonia-0.25
Nitrite-0.50
Nitrate-1.0
-----------------
Day 11
Ph-7.2-7.6 hard to tell
Ammonia-0
Nitrite-2.0
Nitrate-5.0-10 hard to tell

 

[Mourinho18]

So are you doing the fishless cycle/ ie, using ammonia instead of fish since you mentioned you didnt have fish. I'm just surprised you didnt have more of a spike with your ammonias, because thats what typically happens. Your not done yet because your nitrites should be non existant. Once your nitrites reach zero, your closer to being on your way. THen your nitrates should spike and drop almost instantaneously. At that point, once your nitrates are pretty low, do a water change, add your fish, and your good to go.

 

[HarpoGarza]

I wouldn't add any "keeper" fish until you added either more HOBs or, better yet, another canister. I have two 404s AND four of the same Aqua Clear HOBs that you have on my 125. Keeps it sparkling clean. The cartridges are a pain in the arse, so I ditched them in favor of activated carbon. Cheaper and easier.

 

[OSCARLOVER]

how much of a water change should I do?

 

[Mourinho18]

No need to make a huge water change. I've heard some people suggest 90% before. 40-50% is more than good enough


What are you gonna stock it with

 

[OSCARLOVER]

2 Oscars and 1 Pleco. They are currently in a 55 gallon tank and is way to small for them, I need to get them in there new home ASAP! The only thing is I havn't been using any form of ammonia to feed the bacteria. Is there a specific brand or type of ammonia that I need to use and how much should I add every day? The only thing I have used is the waste from my established tank and I dump it into my HOB system. Thanks