Hello my tank is running a consistent 1.0 Nitrite reading. My fish have not died thank goodness. It has been like this for a week now. What can I do to bring it to 0
Daily water changes until it comes down and your cycle / mini cycle is complete, make sure to use a water conditioner that temporarily neutralizes nitrites like prime.
I would do a 40 to 50% water change, the more water you change out the greater the dilution of the nitrites that are in the water. Also have you tested your tap water for nitrites, and what test kit are you using? When I first cycled my 50 gallon I had a high level of nitrites, it took several large water changes to bring the level down.
I have found that the test strips can be inaccurate and unrealiable. The liquid test kits are more realiable in my experience and in the long run they are a better deal for your money. Most members including myself use API master test kit which has the tests for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates along with tests for ph both regular and high range.
Is there a reason you are using bottled water? Is your tap really hard or some other issue, I just ask because its going to be a lot of money to use bottled water to keep up on weekly water changes.
Also the air stone wont help much to overcome this mini cycle going on.
I see that this post is a couple of days old, but I have a question that does not seem to be answered in any of th e earlier posts. What water conditioner are you using? I use Prime for each water change which will help with any immediate ammonia or nitrite issues. Also, any plants will help absorb the wastes.
I have done water changes. I am using water conditioner. It has been the aqueon that came with my tank. I also have 6 plants that are thriving. I dont know what to do now. They have not gone back down. Yes bottled water is extremely expensive with this large amount of water changes, however they use alot of chlorine in my tap. I may eventually do a mixture but that is after my first cycle. I bought a vaccum and vaccumed the gravel then added some sand that is suppose to be benefical for the cycling process.
I am still having a 1.0 to 2.0 reading in nitrites... but no fish have died yet....
you said you are using strips; have you considered buying a liquid test kit? they are more reliable. if your strips are old they may be giving you false readings. that high of levels, i'd expect at least a few deaths...
ditch the strips, and get a liquid test kit. and most all aquarium water chemestry problem can be fixed/solved with water changes, at least temporarally
If you use a good water conditioner it will dechlorinate the tap water regardless of how high the chlorine level is; my tap is very high at times but I have no problems so long as I use the dechlorinator. API's is fine, or Prime as someone suggested which would also help with the nitrite. Save the expense of bottled water if chlorine is the only issue with your tap water.
On the nitrite, if it really were 2 ppm the fish would be dead by now. Have you tested the tap water/bottled water for nitrite?
How long did you cycle your tank? What Filter media are you using? It will make a difference. I am using biohomme for my filter. Please see my site
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