Wow! You are a detail person. I know someone else has been walking you through this, so not to add to any confusion I will say that the cycle is brewing nicely according to your data. Adding that reading your side bar notes you mention that you bought some ghost shrimp, be sure that they are indeed truly ghost shrimp!
Wow. Very thorough. More so than me and I thought I was thorough.
Should expect nitrAtes to keep rising up to finally get rid of the pesky nitrItes. It might slow down the progression since you had to remove the heater.
I've never done a water change, only added water when doing a fishless cycle. Even when the first time I OD'd on ammonia (bad directions) I just let it sit for a week and it sorted itself out. I would only consider doing a water change if the cycle has stalled or if it was finished cycling.
As for Thai doing a bubble nest so soon. My guy wasn't even out of his cup and he had a tiny nest.
Ok, great! This has been my little science project - collecting and recording the data to document my progress is getting me through the month I have between classes. It has been more enjoyable than I expected.
One thing though; I wouldn't feed any peas. Half of one pea is okay for medical reasons but not for no reason. Bettas are carnivorous so pellets are better for them.
Check out the eBook Betta Fish Care Made Easy
How am I doing?
