Tropical Fish Keeping banner

Can I Lower Nitrites without chemicals???

2K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  Byron 
#1 ·
Nitrite level in the stress zone. I did a water change to see if I could rectify the problem. How long after can I use the strips to perform the test to see if the change has occurred. I dont want to lose any fish so any help can help.

My levels were good a few days ago and the only thing that I did was add a UV sterilizer. Should I shut it down for a few days to see if there is a change? The water is crisp and crystal clear and all of the fish seem to be healthy and happy no apparent stress at the moment. What made me look into the test and water change was that my Ruby Green (Haplochromis) was not as vibrant and brilliant as he has been for the past week.

Any help
 
#2 · (Edited)
How old is your tank? You should invest in an API liquid test kit, they may be a little more expensive but they last for a long time. Strips are very inaccurate and useless. Assuming your tank is new(uncycled) with fish in it , you need to be doing daily water changes. Clean and clear water is not an indication of healthy water.Water changes will bring down ammonia , nitrites and nitrates.
 
#3 ·
Marshall is correct....you need to follow that advice. Also, I've never used a UV sterilizer, but I certainly would not use one when cycling a new tank. Wait and optionally use that after that tank has matured.
 
#5 ·
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top