New Tank- End Of Cycle?

[electricsin]

So after a grueling 2+ months of trying to get a new 55 gallon tank to finish cycling, I think it is now almost complete. This will be the first tank I have ever setup and it was a pain. I wish I had found this forum before I started! 2 weeks ago we had our ammonia hit an all time high of 6.0. Finally dropped a little bit last week then nitrites hit 10.0. Ammonia has dropped to 0 now. Nitrites around 2.0. I unknowingly stocked the tank to fast before the levels went down and we lost several fish. So tonight I spotted 1 of the 3 peppered cory catfish that we have with what appeared to be her bottom two fins clamped together with what I thought was saprolegnia mold on it, as we have had a couple of injuried fish in the tank in the past month get it and then sadly pass. I kept an eye on her and then watched her lay her eggs on the side of the tank, plants, etc. Although I am sure none of the eggs will make it as the other catfish are trying to eat them, and I have no way to save them. Would I be safe to assume that the cory catfish laying her eggs is a good sign that the water is now getting right?

 

[4seasons]

If your ammonia was at 6ppm and nitrite hit 10ppm your fish would already be dead. What test kit did you use to come up with those numbers? The API kit that many of us use won't even read that high.

 

[psfponies]

Sounds like you still have a few more cycles to go. Nitrates next.

 

[electricsin]

If your ammonia was at 6ppm and nitrite hit 10ppm your fish would already be dead. What test kit did you use to come up with those numbers? The API kit that many of us use won't even read that high.

I have only had the 5 in 1 and ammonia test strips. Is the API kit better/more accurate and where do I find it?

 

[Moby-Krib]

Only posting to say 6ppm ammonia = nothing but floaters, everything would be dead .. A better test is in order.

Api liquid tests should be fine for you..
Dip / paper tests are horribly unreliable.