As of this weekend, the nitrites are FINALLY coming down. I did get a test kit about 10-12 days ago, bought it at an LFS because I was too impatient to wait for shipping
I know I overpaid, but it was worth getting it right then.
As for testing... my pH is good, maybe a little high at ~7.4 but I don't think that will hurt anything I have. It's just tap water. Since I got the test kit, my ammonia has been ~0.0 the whole time, no worries.
My nitrites went from (I'll sum up the test) - to run the test, you take the little test tube, fill it to the line with water, then put 5 drips of nitrite tester in it. Shake it, wait 5 minutes. The more purple the test water, the higher your nitrites. My 3 recent tests:
- 2 weeks ago. Took test water, put 5 drops in, instant puple! (ouch)
- 1 week ago. It took about a minute to go purple, but still very very high.
- yesterday. Didn't turn purple until the end of the test, and not very purple. About 4 ppm I think. Still high, but coming down very quickly now.
I'm anticipating adding fish on Thursday. I figure a day or two more for nitrite drop, then the holiday, then add fish. I can't wait!
PS - I think part of my problem was the de-chlorinator I used early on. It's an ammonia-something or other, and I think it slowed my ammonia cycle, so the nitrites spiked late and lasted longer because of it. Next time, I may add stresszyme, but I don't think I'll use anything else.
Thanks for following up!