nitrite problems

R

randy11

Registered Member
Mar 30, 2008
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:help:can anyone tell me how long it will take before my bio-filter kicks in.
I have a 60 gal tall with 9 young discus 2". I have been doing a 50% water change every 2 days to keep down nitrites. Does the nitrite level need to be 0% or can the occupants stand it a little higher. Does a UV filter help or does it hurt the good bacteria? HELP!!!!!!
 
First of all, yes AMMO and RITES need to be 0... Second, sorry to hear your doing a fishy cycle, especially with Discus, it seems like an expensive gamble, keep up the water changes, it may be a few more weeks until your tank is cycled, You will need to do multiple water changes a week even when the tank is cycled, Discus need very clean water to thrive,,,I cant answer the question about the UVS, I never needed one.......:)
 
the time it takes to circle the tank depends on many things (I am sure the experts will chime in soon), but I worry about the discuss. they are very sensitive from what I hear. I hope they survive the cycle process.
 
^ what he said - I'll add that a UV will do nothing to the NO2 level. The bacteria responsible for NO2 breakdown are among the slower ones to reproduce as a response to increases in NO2, so keep up the PWCs. Also - they will tend to live in your filter, in your substrate - pretty well attached to stuff, so a UV wouldn't have any real impact on them either.
 
Juvie discus, which is the catagory I would label yours, need to fed frequently and have extremely good water conditions. While not as fragile as most would have you believe, they do take some attention.

However, one of the things often recommended and followed, is put discus in a well established tank, not a new one, or one that is cycling.

Be prepared for daily water changes, more than one a day most likely, to keep ammonia and nitrites at zero.

If cared for correctly, those 9 - 2" discus will soon outgrow a 60 gal tank. Not only by size, but free swimming space and definitely territorial wise should you get some to pair off. I recommend you take them back, do a fishless cycle, and when your tank is well establishe 9-12 months down the road, consider discus once again.
 
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