Yes you can quote from any post, just click the reply button on that one rather than the most recent post. But if you want to quote from several posts you have to put in the formatting and copy and paste manually.

Must try Biomature at a higher temperature sometime, but as you say, one is not so tempted to experiment when there are other filters already running with spare media to pinch.

QPQ... every cycle is different, and it's not uncommon to go for a couple of weeks without seeing any drop in ammonia.

Thanks blackghost. I will keep posting.

Day 15.

ammonia = 3ppm, nitrites = 0.

Yesterday visited 3 LFS, none of them had GH&KH tests in a liquid form, only strips Placed an order in ebay..

Day 20

ammonia = 3ppm
nitrites = 0
nitrates = more than 0, less than 5

It does not seem that my fishless cycling is working... Any toughts?

Just been back over your posts thus far and the most likely cause is the low temperature. Cycles often respond to a jump start from a higher than normal temp of 28-30C.

The other thing is, looking forward, 24.5 is a bit low for some tropicals, including Cardinals which you mentioned - they do better at about 26C. Is there any chance of changing the heater for one with an adjustable temperature range? 24.5 seems a very odd level for it to be set to.

Also see if your LFS stock Soll Bactinettes - these contain the correct live bacteria needed and can be used to seed the system and help start your cycle, though even then progress will be slower than normal at a reduced temp.