Cycling a 55 gallon Freshwater

[AlleyViper]

Hi all!
I am new to this forum but have been coming here for years reading advice. I just set up a 55 gallon freshwater tank my neighbor gave me using a Fluval 305 filter. His tank was dismantled 2 days prior to me taking it home, but I am using his gravel, as well as 2 levels of Bio ceramic rings which I did not change from previous usage. I added 2 new bags of activated carbon to one of the levels of the Fluval as well. It has been running for one week now and has 5 zebra danios in it.
After 2 days of cycling here are the readings:
Ammonia - 2.0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0
PH 7.6

Now after one week of cycling the readings:
Ammonia - 2.0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 5.0 - 10 (been rising the last 3 days from 5.0)
PH - 7.4

Ok so now for some questions! Did I miss the Nitrite part of the cycle or is something else going on here? What can I do with my 3 levels of Fluval filtration to make it better at removing bad from my water? Should I do a partial water change for the ammonia in tank or no? Thanks!

 

[Delapool]

Hi, you will need to do a water change.

It may be a mini-cycle where some bacteria are still there.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f12/your-guide-to-ammonia-toxicity-159994.html

 

[AlleyViper]

Perfect thanks for the reply! I did a small change yesterday and 25% change this morning. Ammonia is almost undetectable and all of my fish seem much happier!

 

[Delapool]

Grand news