Consistent Elevated Ammonia

[marieha]

Hello! Have a new 10 gallon planted freshwater fishless tank I have been cycling for the past 2 weeks preparing for 2-3 pea puffers and maybe a couple of cherry shrimps.

According to the API Master Test Kit the readings have had consistent daily readings:
PH 7.6
High Range 7.8
Ammonia 0.25 ppm (have Ammonia Alert, never has been in danger zone)
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Hardness 12
Temp 78-80 F
Hygger Planted Lighting

Water change 25% daily and add API Stress Coat and API Start Up. Substrate is Seachem Fluorite, Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum and some CaribSea Eco-Complete, an airstone sponge bubbler and another bubbler with bio ceramic spheres.

My question is why there would be ammonia and no nitrites, in time will it level off? Or is there something I am not doing correctly?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

 

[fishwonder]

Here is information to cycle your filter/tank correctly. It will take 3-8 weeks to cycle your filter/tank before any fish should be added.

 

[marieha]

Thank you! This is a very helpful read!

 

[fishwonder]

You're welcome.