Your test kit should last for some time so no need to worry about purchasing another. I would guess that your salinity creep is from daily water evaporation - do you have a hood on your tank and how dry is your room where the tank is located? It looks like your tank is reaching its ammonia peak, which is a good sign, but 8 days is still early. I'd give at least another week before adding anything. Look for algae blooms as the next sign, and start considering buying your clean up crew. Best advice - be patient and go slow.
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