Still losing it..update :)

[jntmom]

Okay, here we go again with my ever-cycling 30 gallon! I've had readings now for the past week that go somewhat like this.

Ammonia 0 (I have been adding some daily)
NitrIte .50
NitrAte 40

SOOO, I have been waiting patiently for my nitrItes to go to 0 so I can FINALLY add my puffer fish.

I just checked my readings today (I added ammonia yesterday afternoon) and huh????

Ammonia 2.0
NitrIte 0
NitrAte 0

What in the world happened?????? I have not done anything different. I've been adding the same amount of ammonia every day and have done NOTHING to the tank. I do not think I'll ever be able to add fish to this tank!!!!!!

 

[tkos]

Are you sure the test kit is still good? It seems extra odd that the nitrates have gone away. :?

 

[jntmom]

Yep, my test kits are fine. They are new. I have NO clue where the nitrAtes are

 

[snifflyfro]

I know one of my test kits was bad, you never know how heat or other things might affect them. Maybe try taking a sample to your lfs if they'll do it for free, most will.

 

[Menagerie]

I looked at those readings this morning and just cannot figure out what may have happened. Aside from getting a second opinion at the LFS, run your tests again this evening and see what the results are.

 

[jntmom]

Okay, I decided not to be mad when I went to bed and redid them this morning (I was REALLY hoping to get my puffers yesterday).

Here are my readings this morning

Ammonia 2.0
NitrIte 0
NitrAte 5.0

I redid them twice just to make sure I did them correctly. Does this mean I have somehow started to cycle all over again??? (at least I have NitrAte this morning)

 

[Menagerie]

Hmmm. If I remember correctly, you are doing a fishless cycle with straight ammonia. Are you still adding the ammonia?