Nitrites....

BlueReels

So..... I tried searching the forum before I asked, so if I missed it, feel free to fuss or do whatever you must do to let off your steam! Well, I know I have bacteria growing in the tank because, every time I dose the ammonia it goes down quick! I think I've been overdosing the ammonia for the nitrite stage! I don't know if there are nitrites because I don't have the test for that part yet, but when I do test and the nitrites are off the charts, do I do a water change or do I just dose up to 2ppm? Currently, I've been dosing back up to 4ppm. Like I said, I don't know if there are nitrites yet! I have a positive outlook that I can just go to dosing to 2ppm. I know there aren't suppose to be water changes doing this cycle unless the ammonia stalls it and for nitrates. So, let the answers begin!

lakemalawifish

Are you cycling a tank with ammonia? Sorry but I don't understand your question.

BlueReels

Yes. I'm cycling with ammonia. The question I'm asking should I do a water change? I don't know where my nitrites are currently, but I've been researching and I've ran into a statement that said you should half the dosage when the ammonia is been taken by the bacteria. Well, I've been still dosing the ammonia back up to 4ppm instead of 2ppm for the nitrite stage. Do I do a water change? I'm testing my water tomorrow at the LFS! I just have the ammonia drop test. I'm sorry for any miscommunication.

Geomancer

It's fine to change the water, you won't hurt anything (just use water conditioner to get ride of chlorine).

The bacteria does not live in the water, it lives on the hard surfaces of the tank (filter, walls, decorations, mostly substrate).

As long as Nitrite is present in the tank, bacteria will multiply at full speed to consume it into Nitrate. Some say too high of levels will stall a cycle.

While at the store pick up your own Nitrite test and Nitrate so you can save yourself trips. May consider the API master test kit, it has both along with pH (and would give you another Ammonia test).