Ammonia high no nitrites but got natrates

[Vickster]

My ammonia is reading 0.50 but no nitrites and got 5.0 ppm of narrates one week into cycling with fish added tetra safe start at start of cycle what's going on can any one help

 

[shellieca]

Have you tested your tap water? Sometimes there's nitrate in it & that could be what you're getting when you test.

 

[Vickster]

Yeah we have tested the tap water all 3 readings were 0

 

[shellieca]

Its not out of the question to see nitrates early, if I remember correctly I did. Personally, just keep testing & do the necessary water change since you have fish. Don't sweat it too much.