Did I miss part of the cycle?

[RevLoder]

Looking for some advice:

Set up my 55gal fw tank a couple of weeks ago. Turned out, it was poor timing. For a couple of days, I was able to keep the ammonia levels up. Then, I had class and then our family went for a four-day break.

When I got back, I tested ammonia, it was under 1ppm. So, I got it back up to 4ppm. Then, the next day, it went back down to 1ppm. I tested for nitrites and got none. Did this for a couple of days. Then, today I decided to test for nitrates. Wow! They are off the charts.

So, did I miss part of the cycle while I was gone?

I am planning to do a 50% water change tomorrow.

Should there be something else I am doing?

Otherwise, the tank looks beautiful, even though there's no fish.

 

[Delapool]

I've seen the nitrite come and go very quickly in threads before. One to check would be tap water for everything - some tap water is high in nitrates, etc.

 

[RevLoder]

Thank you. I will do that... Although, all the levels look good right now after a 50% water change.

 

[RevLoder]

Wait. If the water source had high Nitrates, wouldn't I still get an ammonia reading? I am adding ammonia and it goes away.

 

[Delapool]

Yes, for sure.

Good idea to check though as this gives baseline readings so you can see the change. Also allows ph (likely decrease) to be tracked.