Nitrite Test Oddities Pt2, Update

[DrgRcr]

OK, well after wondering about my interpretation of the results of my FL cycle water tests(API), I took a sample to the LFS where I will be buying my stock to get an experienced opinion. It is a well established store that I have visited a few times and they seem very knowledgable. I did notice last time that they also use the API tests. The one thing I wasn't sure about was the nitrite level. When he put the drops in, he said without hesitation that they were off the chart. The drops turned purple in the bottom of the tube instantly. I now have peace of mind to know that my cycle is not complete, which also explains the low nitrate levels. More to come.

[shawnhu]

But you already knew this. Your low nitrate levels should tell you that you are nearing the end, but not quite there yet. Give it another 3-5 days before testng for Nitrites again. In the meanwhile, keep dosing ammonia to feed them.

[DrgRcr]

In hindsight I probably should have realized that, but being new, I'm not confident enough. That's why I really thought an experienced opinion would help. Is a water change necessary to bring the nitrite down a bit? Will it delay the cycle any being so high?

[colinsk]

I have a 10 gallon that is in a fishless cycle and I measured the nitrites off the chart. The tank has soil in it and was leaching tannins (humic is the word I think aquarists use). So, I did a 90% water change. My nitrites then measured 1.0! My water measures 0. I don't know if it delays the cycle or not but I will soon.

[DrgRcr]

Well I went ahead and did a 50-60% change. I'll recheck again either later or tomorrow at my normal time to see if it dropped them down.

[yhbae]

Are you doing fishy cycle or fishless cycle? If you are doing fishless cycle, then you don't need to change water until ammonia is zero and nitrite is zero. Just do it at the end to lower nitrate levels and you are ready for live fishes. But if you have life fishes already, then yes you should WC often!

[DrgRcr]

Fishless cycle. I went ahead and did a 50-60% change yesterday and re-checked 3 hrs later. Nitrite down to 2ppm. I did read elsewhere that very high nitrite during the cycle can stall or stop it, and I certainly didn't want that!