Cycling anomalies

[fatguppy]

Hi peeps. I have posted a topic on this site earlier because I had all my fish dying and discovered fishless cycling after I had bought fish )

5 days ago the Nitrites were on 5, Nitrates on 2 so we were in crisis!

Having been through "the crisis" and lost a load of fish I am now "getting there" (God I hope so I can't cope with any more bereavements and the associated guilt trip)

Did the water change thing sometimes twice a day and so far so good but a bit confused with todays readings:

My readings for the last 4 days.
Nitirites 0.50 Nitrates 10 Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0.25 Nitrates 10 Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0.25 Nitrates 10 Ammonia 0.25

Today we did 2 readings am and pm (no water change between)
AM Nitrites 0 Nitrates 10 Ammonia 0.25
PM Nitrites 0 Nitrates 15 Ammonia 0.25

WE have had to introduce one extra tiger barb from my son's tank because his readings are high and it was struggling - can one fish make this much difference? Or are we overfeeding and the Ammonia has climbed a bit because of that?

Are the nitrates climbing slightly because the cycling IS working but slowly?

Thanks folks - appreciate any advice

 

[WILDER]

Just do a water change to fetch ammonia down.

 

[Toadfish]

I've found that when cycling in a new setup what tends to happen is ammonia will go up, then nitrites will start to rise with a lowering in ammonia, finally nitrites and ammonia go down with rise in nitrates. The fish should be able to handle the current levels but ideally I'd lower the ammonia through water changes until stabalized. Nitrates should go down at the same time, although significant spikes can happen if something dies (plant or fish) and starts to decompose, or a large amount of organic matter is added via food or waste.

 

[fatguppy]

Thanks for that peeps, I appreciate it.

I am continuing with water changes anyway for the time being, just to be on the safe side.