frozen shrimp kick start the cycle?

Just make sure you don't add too much. The nitrobacter, which oxidizes nitrite into nitrate, is also sensitive to high levels of nitrite. An ammonia level of 1.0 - 2.0 is a good target; that will keep your nitrite in a safe, effective range. Most issues with stalled or incomplete cycles stem from too much or too little initial ammonia, not the method that's used to produce it.

 

thanks! i will definitely keep that in mind!!!