Wow thanks for all the replies everyone! I'll try to address everyone's questions in one reply:
No live sand, nothing living in my tank ATM (apparently not even bacteria
), just standard silk plants, 2 decor pieces and gravel.
I tried to find my water report online but apparently they don't post it. I'll have to call them to get a copy.
I did dose up Prime just now, maybe not enough though, I only added enough drops for the whole tank, I'll add more and see if it helps.
I tested my tap water previously: no nitrates or nitrites. There seems to be something weird with the ammo readings though; it starts off almost zero then after the water sits out for a while it goes up to 0.25 and once even to 0.5 but it may be reading the decontaminants. I'll have to get that water report. Wolfman: I live in Johnston, near the Johnston/Cranston line but technically in Johnston.
Maybe adding the Safe Start was a mistake, it was an impulse purchase and I was (am) desperate.
I did tape black plastic garbage bags over the glass areas of the tank so as to inhibit algae growth; could this be hindering the tank in any way? The tank has a cover and there is an opening at the back for the wires so air should be able to get in...would blocking the light be hurting it at all?
I'm trying to be patient but not seeing movement in the ammonia at all is very discouraging and I'm close to blowing the thing up. lol
Thanks for trying to help everyone.