Help! Something weird with my tank

[Anne L.]

So I thought my tank was cycled. Ammonia was 0, nitrites were 0. I put in 3 ml of ammonia last night and ammonia was 0 this morning.

I just tested nitrites at suppertime now and they are back up between 0.3 and 0.8. What's going on? I thought my tank would be ready for fish on Saturday. It's got to have something to do with the increased ammonia, right? Or is my tank not quite ready yet?

Where do I go from here - I'm almost in tears, ready to quit.:sad

Someone please help, ok?

 

[Richer]

Sounds like your tank is getting close to being completely cycled, but isn't quite there yet. Give it a few more days, and keep your ammonia levels at around 3-5ppm. Once you see that ammonia and nitrite levels go down to 0 within 24 hours (or less), then your tank is definately ready for a good water change, and some fish.

HTH
-Richer

 

[Anne L.]

Oh thank you so much. I was wondering if I did something wrong and screwed up the tank.

So I guess we're not quite ready for fish yet.

Thanks again - we'll do what you suggest.