First Time Cycling a Tank, HELP

[bubbarai]

Hello!
I am just reaching a month into my fish less cycle for a 40 gallon tank and I am not sure if I should do a water change. *first tank I have ever cycled*
Here are my current testings and I have added ammonia once to bring it up to 4ppm about 4 days ago.
1/18
PH: 7.6
Ammonia: 1ppm
Nitrite: 2ppm
Nitrate: 40-80ppm - the color is between the 2 on the API master kit lol they literally look like the same color

I am overthinking it and getting antsy because my Axolotl is tubbed right now and can’t wait for him to get into his new home.
The Nitrates are worrying me but I see a lot of mixed information saying I should only worry about the Ammonia and Nitrite.
Should I just add ammonia to bring the PPM back to 4 and trust the process or do a small water change?

 

[BlueNem]

I would do a water change and add some regular fish food to feed the bacteria for another month and check the parameters again just to be sure everything is al right.


Regards,

 

[Nor'easter Reefer]

I agree that a water change is a good idea. If your getting nitrates like that and you brought your ammonia up to 4ppm and it's down to 1 that would seem to me that you have nitrifying bacteria established and can probably start easing into getting your first livestock. I know my tank cycled in less than a week, so a month seems like it must be cycled if it's making nitrates

 

[Idech]

Test again tomorrow to see if your ammonia is back to 0. If so, you re cycled. Just do a big water change to bring those nitrates down. 50% will lower them by 50%, etc. Get them around 5-10 ppm.

Next time you test your cycle, put enough ammonia to generate 2 ppm of ammonia and that should take 24 hours to go away. 4 ppm is not necessary.

 

[KeyWestReef2009Indiana]

Following along, I have a 65 gallon tank 1 month in, and I just did my first check with Hanna colorimeters.

Ammonia .02 ppm
Nitrate .4 ppm
Nitrite .003 ppm converted.

I hit the diatoms 7 days ago, rusty sand and rocks. First SW tank, learning as I go. I did add hermit and 5 snails 10 days ago. It seems they kick started something.

 

[KeyWestReef2009Indiana]

Any update on the tank parameters? My LFS is great, but they were rushing me to get some clowns. I thought I would wait a few more months and let it settle down. Plus I have a vacation coming up. Look forward to your updates, to see the changes.