Since you are using an API test kit.... good job on this.....you have to shake the hell out of the nitrate test bottle. Even bang it against something when your shaking it. They are known to read high if you don't and your nitrates look like they are 160 ppm? I'd retest then do a couple of large water changes if you have anything over 40ppm.
Since you are using an API test kit.... good job on this.....you have to shake the hell out of the nitrate test bottle. Even bang it against something when your shaking it. They are known to read high if you don't and your nitrates look like they are 160 ppm? I'd retest then do a couple of large water changes if you have anything over 40ppm.
Those readings aren't terribly high but at the threshold for a fish in cycle. Do a 50% water change.
Those readings aren't terribly high but at the threshold for a fish in cycle. Do a 50% water change.
As M stated add your prime every water change. I'm guessing you will be doing daily to every other day water changes. Prime is good for up to 2 days. If you don't have to change the water every two days then add Prime at the end of day 2.
Testing your water daily will gauge when you need to do a water change. Remember, for example, if you have .50 ppm ammonia and you do a 50% water change you will then have .25 ppm ammonia. This goes for the rest of the water tests as well. Change the percentage of water appropriately.