I started my ammonia dosing on the 28th of Feb and everything was going accordingly. By day 10 I was able to convert 2 ppm ammonia down to 0.25 within 24 hours. However, my Nitrite was still reading around 2 and my Nitrate somewhere between 40-80 ppm. I did an initial 20% water change and my Nitrite/Nitrate values did not change, but my ammonia dropped to 0. I decided to throw a little food in the tank to prevent bacteria die off, and two days later (today) completed an additional 30% water change. Now, my Nitrite is still reading somewhere between 1-2 and my Nitrate is around 40.
I am not sure why I am not seeing bigger changes with my readings after such large water changes. However, with the Nitrate still that high, I really don't want to introduce any fish. At the same time, I feel that I need to keep dosing ammonia/food in order to keep the bacterial population afloat but, that is just going to continue to boost the Nitrite and Nitrate values.
1. Do you think it is ok to introduce a fish(s) as opposed to continually dosing ammonia with higher than ideal Nitrate?
2. Should I just continue to add some food as opposed to ammonia, just to keep the bacterial culture stable?
2. Do you think my high Nitrite/Nitrate values are related to the API testing kit? I have used it in the past without any issues, but the fact I cant export any nutrients with massive water changes seems strange.
I am not sure why I am not seeing bigger changes with my readings after such large water changes. However, with the Nitrate still that high, I really don't want to introduce any fish. At the same time, I feel that I need to keep dosing ammonia/food in order to keep the bacterial population afloat but, that is just going to continue to boost the Nitrite and Nitrate values.
1. Do you think it is ok to introduce a fish(s) as opposed to continually dosing ammonia with higher than ideal Nitrate?
2. Should I just continue to add some food as opposed to ammonia, just to keep the bacterial culture stable?
2. Do you think my high Nitrite/Nitrate values are related to the API testing kit? I have used it in the past without any issues, but the fact I cant export any nutrients with massive water changes seems strange.