Our pH has actually been 8 on the dot all week with no fluctuationIf you are not going to stock many fish not carelessly feed them, it seems like you do not need to wait much longer. Also, the amount of toxic smmonia in your system is 5-10% of the total ammonia concentration, which is what you measure with ammonia test kits. Keeping the pH at 8 or below will keep the proportion of toxic ammonia lower, a nice insurance policy. You can target the “ perfect“ pH and nitrate level later.