2 week old tank few questions

[Tvp125]

This is my first step into the aquarium world and I have a few questions.. I bought the API freshwater master test kit I tested my water yesterday and it read.

PH 7.6
Ammonia 4.0
nitrite 0.25
nitrate 5.0

I did a 10% water change and did the test today and I got the same numbers. I am not sure what these numbers mean and help would be greatly appreciated. The tank is 20 Gallons and is filtered by a penguin bio-wheel 150 with 2 filters And heated to about 76 degrees with a tetra heater.

 

[bruinsbro1997]

That is awfully high ammonia and nitrites you got there. Is your tank cycling or are there fish in the tank? If it's cycling then that should be normal, if not you should read up: I just learned about cycling but I already have fish. What now?!
I reccomend a bigger water change, about 40-50%.

 

[Tvp125]

Thanks for the quick reply there is one fish in the tank he has been in there for about a week now and he seems fine. I am going to bump up my water changes to the suggested 40%.

 

[HUKIT]

Thanks for the quick reply there is one fish in the tank he has been in there for about a week now and he seems fine. I am going to bump up my water changes to the suggested 40%.

I would bump that to 50-60% daily until the ammonia comes down to a safer level and continue that regime when the nitrites spike too.