cycling

[legion]

Need info on cycling, please. I have had my tank running for almost three weeks. lfs said to use 3 damsels to cycle my 40 gallon AGA breeder tank. I have diatoms staring to grow, nut my levels are way out of whack.
Ammonia- 1.0
Nitrite- 1.0-1.5
Nitrate-30
pH-8.3
I don't understand why my levels are so high at the same time.
(P.S. I have a black and white damsel and noticed this morning that its' front black stripe was changing color with its' pupil dialation- is that strange or normal)
(40 gallonn AGA breeder tank, 2'' crushed coral, Fluval 304, Prism Skimmer, Skilter 250 (used only for filtration because the skimmer is blah, 2 150 watt heaters, 1-25 watt coral glo, also used No Stress to help the cycle, and made small water changes because of the high trite level (big mistake or not really)
Would appeciate any help, Thanks

 

[shadow678]

Once again, a greedy LFS has sold you unneeded livestock. Even though damsels are very hardy, they can and very often do die from the cycle. If yours is starting to show effects of the cycle damaging it, then take it back. The cycle has started already, so they are not needed now anyways. The readings you are getting is normal. The cycle will not cycle all ammonia into nitrite before it begins turning the nitrite into nitrate, so you will get readings from all levels at the same time during the cycle. And don't forget, average cycle time is 4-6 weeks, so at 3 weeks you may still be in the very middle of your cycle time. The diatoms are normal, and will go away in a couple of weeks. Only 1 of your 150-watt heaters is really necessary, as they both can handle up to 45 gallons. Often times, due to the heat generated by pumps, filters and lighting, no heater is necessary at all, but it is good to have one. If you can, I would take the other back and get credit. You can also take the skilter back, as the Fluval 304 is rated to handle up to 75 gallons properly. Small water changes during the cycle is good, to help reduce the nitrate buildup, especially with CC instead of a DSB. If you don't like having to do so many water changes and vaccuming the CC, you may consider switching over to a DSB now while it is easy to do without affecting any livestock. HTH and good luck!