which stage is my cycling at? help

[devinwfy]

I tested my first 56 gal aquarium and tap water today with API master kit.
The tap water (stayed for 48 hours) is
PH 8.2
Ammonia 0 ppm
Nitrite 0 pm
Nitrate 0pm

My aquarium is
PH 8.0
Ammonia 0.5 ppm
Nitrite 0pm
Nitrate between 5-10 ppm.

I am doing my fish-in cycling with tetra safe start plus, and anyone can tell me which stage I am at? This is my first time of cycling a tank.
It seems that my tap water PH is high, how can I deal with that?

Thanks a lot!!

 

[jlk]

Your ph is fine- don't worry about it as long as its stable. You are just beginning the cycling process with your ammonia starting to spike. As you have fish, this means daily testing and water changes to keep toxins at or below .25ppm (especially with the higher ph). If your not already using Prime or Amquel plus as your water conditioner, I suggest switching as soon as possible. Either will help limit the toxicity of ammonia/nitrite/nitrate temporarily. Please read the article below and ask any questions!

I just learned about cycling but I already have fish. What now?! - Aquarium Advice