Newbie seeking advice *** help***

[mh5150]

I have a 30 gal saltwater tank for 3 weeks now just added 3 chromis a week ago. levels have been
ph-8.2
am-.5-1
nitrite- .25-.50
ntrate-5.0
temp-76*
hydrometer is in range
So today i did 20% water change when should i expect levels to come down?
Fish are fine .
mike

 

[redsea]

The levels may go down a little bit. Did you cycle your tank? Welcome to the forum!

 

[mh5150]

The levels may go down a little bit. Did you cycle your tank? Welcome to the forum!

I have done tropical tanks for years was always afraid of saltwater . read a few books and talked to few people. Not once have i heard of cycling a tank until i looked hear . Im not being a smartass but what is that/

 

[mh5150]

I have live corral shells in bottom and about 5 lbs of live rock

 

[redsea]

Here I have a good article that talks about cycling if you already have fish.

I just learned about cycling but I already have fish. What now?!

 

[mh5150]

thank you
I need all the help i can get

 

[mh5150]

Are my levels high?