Nitrites are killing me!

[dcallen]

Hi,

What is the deal with the nitrites? My ammonia level has dropped to 0 but the nitrite levels have spiked to a dangerous level. I know that this is a normal process for a new tank, but I have added some bacteria filled sponge filter water from an African tank at my LFS which should have helped some, then I put in 3 oz. of Bio Spira which they claim will make a tank safe to add fish in 24 hours , and break down the harmful nitrites etc. Well it's been 24 hours and the nitrite levels are still the same as before I added the Bio Spira, so what gives here? Any thoughts would be appreciated.


:confused:

[ChilDawg]

I think that you are supposed to add Bio Spira before stocking, but I'm not sure...mature bacteria can only assist the process so much...but even they may take time to reproduce to the level necessary to completely do their jobs.

[rus]

if your tank is only up for 24 hours you shouldnt have any ammonia or nitrite spikes yet. unless you are very very over stocked. can you tell us more about the tank and what's in it?

[dcallen]

Rus,

Sure. The tank has been setup for 2 weeks and I have one juvenile yellow lab in the tank that I added 1 week ago, no other fish. I think ChiliDawg may be correct in assuming that the Bio Spira needs to be put in prior to adding fish, at least that seems to be the recommended course of action. Thanks for the input guys.


Tank Specs:

70 gallon
1 Eheim 2213 Cannister Filter
1 Emperor 400 HOB
1 300 watt heater

Substrate:
Gravel and shell cichlid mixture

Approx. 95lbs of assorted rock

[dcallen]

Rus,

Sure. The tank has been setup for 2 weeks and I have one juvenile yellow lab in the tank that I added 1 week ago, no other fish. I think ChiliDawg may be correct in assuming that the Bio Spira needs to be put in prior to adding fish, at least that seems to be the recommended course of action. Thanks for the input guys.


Tank Specs:

70 gallon
1 Eheim 2213 Cannister Filter
1 Emperor 400 HOB
1 300 watt heater

Substrate:
Gravel and shell cichlid mixture

[dcallen]

Update:

I just checked the nitrites again and it looks like they are at 1.6 ppm now. I take it this is still at a dangerous level?

[rus]

oh ok then it sounds like you are nearing the end of the cycle. 1.6 isnt going to kill the lab if it has lived through the rest of the cycle.

[dcallen]

Rus,

Well it's strange. One tester shows 1.6 or slightly higher and the dip tester says that its at between 4-5ppm, so I'm not sure which one is correct.

[rus]

do you have a friend with a test kit? or you could take a sample to the nearest fish store. eitherway i suggest doing a water change.

[scott]

I would recommend daily water changes until your cycle is finished, don't vacuum the gravel just change the water to dilute nitrites. Just my two cents.

[JSchmidt]

I wouldn't let nitrite get above .5 ppm in any tank that's housing fish. I'd do water changes sufficient to keep it below that figure.

Jim

[jimbo]

Just a 30/45% water change every other day will take care of your nitrites until the bacteria’s called nitrobacter have established. This could take another week. So please be patient.
Check the nitrites just before the water change.
When it’s 0.3 or below, you can postpone the water change till the next day.

[jimbo]

Just a 30/45% water change every other day will take care of your nitrites until the bacteria’s called nitrobacter have established. This could take another week. So please be patient.
Check the nitrites just before the water change.
When it’s 0.3 or below, you can postpone the water change till the next day.

[dcallen]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the help. My nitrites are now at 0, so now I can look at adding some fish. Thanks again.