Brand New To The Hobby...Please Help

[NJNewbie]

Did my cycle stall????

Today's readings, Wednesday 6/6 4:15pm

Ammonia - 4.0 ppm (hasn't budged in 2 days since re-dose)

NitrIte - 5.0 ppm (gets darker purple each day)

NitrAte - 0 ( goldish color so might be beginning to go up, not sure)

pH - 8.0

Ok so the NitrItes keep going up which is good, but the ammonia hasn't moved in 2 days and still no NitrAtes!!! Has it stalled???? What do I do??? First time I added ammonia was Monday 5/28 and then on Saturday night 6/2 added a cultured pad to filter and on Monday 6/4 ammonia had dropped to somewhere between 1-2. So I redosed back to 4. Now no movement for 2 days....confused and need advise on what to do??? Go buy some more cultured pads??? PWC???? Stand pat and wait another day or 2 and watch numbers??? Please help.....

 

[librarygirl]

I wouldn't worry, it's normal not to have any activity for a few days. Once the bacteria develop more the ammonia should start dropping more consistently. Your PH looks good. Your nitrites are rising so that's a good sign. WIth nitrites at less than two weeks in you're ahead of schedule, just wait it out.

 

[NJNewbie]

Ok today's readings, Thursday June 7th

Ammonia - 4.0 (still no movement since the redose Monday night)

NitrIte - 5.0+ (Dark purple)

NitrAte - 5.0 (yes finally showing some)

pH - 8.0

So although I am really happy to start seeing NitrAtes for the first time, I am confused that the Ammonia hasn't dropped in 3 days?????? What is my next step???? Please help this newbie through his first cycle....