HELP with nitrite

[sueglancy]

Here's the scenario...Had an established 10 gallon tank with 1 betta. Added 2 goldfish at the (as they were a "recommended" breed to pair with the betta). This arrangement did not work out. After 2-3 day we ended up with both tails of the goldfish damaged and the loss of one eye in one goldfish...so much for the "experts" at the pet shop. So...I bought a 20 gallon tank for the goldfish and used the water and gravel from the 10 gallon to begin filling the tank. I then used dechlorinated tap water for the remaining 10 gallons. I then put the betta back in the 10 gallon tank (with new water). The betta is doing fine and the goldfish appear to be fine; however, the nitrite level is still about 1-1.5ppm after 2 weeks. I have added salt and do water changes about every other day. I thought that by using the same "cycled" water and gravel from the 10 gallon I'd be in pretty good shape. Also when I tested the nitrite level from our tap (with is filtered with and undersink Aquasana filter) that water even has high nitrites! Is this possible or do I have 2 faulty test kits (I have 2 brands of nitrite test kits)??? Please help!

Sue

[Kasakato]

We need more detailes:

Whats in the 10/20g tanks? (Im lost)
There is no/very little good bacteria in the water, so your tank is still cycling.
How long has it been since you put the betta and goldfish in the tanks?
What test kit are you using?
Test for ammoina and nitrates, post the results here.

[Harlock]

Was there a filter on the ten gallon? Just curious, a lot of the good baceria may well be in there if so and not on the substrate you moved to the 20. Also, as Kasakato pointed out, the bacteria we try to cultivate in a cycled tank are not free-swimming. The water does little. Was there a big cloudy mess when you moved the gravel over? High nitrites in the source water is pretty rough to deal with. Any chance you could use half RO and half tap water?

[sueglancy]

2 goldfish are in the 20 gallon (where the water and gravel from the 10 gallon was used in addition to another 10 gallons of dechlorinated water). This is the tank with the problem. The other 10 gallon tank has 2 bettas with a divider and the tank is fully cycled and fine.

In the 20 gallon, the ammonia is barely above 0ppm. The nitrite is 1-1.5 ppm and has not moved in either direction in the 2 weeks the tank has been operating. I did not have a filter on the 10 gallon before I transferred the gravel and water to the 20 gallon. I now have a filter for the 20 gallon. One of the test kits is Aquarium Pharmaceuticals and the other is Red Sea. What other information would be helpful? I'm still confused as to why the water coming from my tap (with the Aquasana under sink filter!) has nitrites. Thanks.

[Harlock]

Intereesting. What about nitrates? Basically, here is what I am thinking so far: The ten was cycled for a bioload of one betta. You moved this to a tank twice as big, with twice as many fish. Also, goldfish are notoriously messy little poop-machines. Compared to the betta, the bioload this new setup has to deal with is quite a bit bigger. Also, the gravel was tossed and turned a little, maybe pushing the formerly more anaerobic stuff up top and vice-versa. So, you are basically looking at either a mini cycle as the biofilter catches up or a full blown cycle. Since it's been two weeks, I'm opting for the latter. Keep testing everyday. Also, test for nitrates. That can be indicative of where you are in a cycle. If you see ammonia or nitrites, do a 50% water change. This will at least keep the fish healthy while the tank cycles. What kind of goldfish are they, BTW? Did the LFS let you know they will outgrow a 20 gallon?

[daveedka]

Is this possible or do I have 2 faulty test kits (I have 2 brands of nitrite test kits)??? Please help!

Easy way to check your test kit is to take some water to the LFS and see if they get the same numbers.
Dave

[sueglancy]

I thought once nitrAtes were present things were in good order. Why would I do a 50% water change with nitrAtes present? Also, I was told to allow 10 gallons per goldfish (medium sized - 8" grown). One is a black moor and the other is orange with black specks (forgot the name!) - pet store said they both grow to about 8 " (the orange is one of the fancy goldfish not a feeder). Is the 1 fish per 10 gallon not correct? What is the correct info? Thanks.

[Harlock]

Sorry, when you start typing things time and again... Let me correct the post and also just tell you, if you see ammonia or nitrites go ahead and do a 50% water change. You can do water changes with nitrates too. I change 50% of my water every five days. Goldfish can reach up to two feet in length though around 20 inches is fairly common. Your LFS, like many we hear about on these boards, and yes, like many we even frequent (simply because we've no other choice for fish in our areas) either don't know their stuff, or don't care and simply want to make a sale.

[sueglancy]

On the goldfish tank, I have an Aquaclear 50 filter (for 20-50 gallon). I was told I would only need to do a water change about once per month. Is this not good advice?

[Raskolnikov]

No, weekly or twice a week is far better. Monthly isn't even acceptable.









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[Kasakato]

Ammoina- You want 0ppm= its bad
Nitrites- You want oppm=its bad
Nitrates- You want them under ~20ppm=Good in small amounts

I think he ment if you see ammoina OR nitrites do a water change.

Now thoes goldfish will be too big for a 20g tank. I think you should return both or one to the strore. If you can return both you can add other fish to your tank.

[Beeker]

Sue,
I have goldfish too. You are looking at a 30% waterchange at least once a week. They are the dirtiest fish you can get. But they do have great personalities. :)

[sueglancy]

So is it the general consensus that a 20 gallon tank is too small for two fantails (black moor/orange specked)? I keep reading that they grow to about 6-8" and this seems okay to me with 2 in a 20 gallon.

[Harlock]

So is it the general consensus that a 20 gallon tank is too small for two fantails (black moor/orange specked)? I keep reading that they grow to about 6-8" and this seems okay to me with 2 in a 20 gallon.
Well, since you finally named the variety we can give more acurate info. Black Moors can get to ten inches and really need a larger aquarium than a 20 gallon. They also need clean water and are messy fish in general, so that means more frequent water chanegs than monthly, I'm afraid. The specked fantail can get to 6 inches and again, is a messy, messy fish. They really require at least a 50 gallon in my opinion.

[sueglancy]

Thanks for all of the info. I think I'm going to keep the fish in the 20 gallon for awhile. They're only a couple of inches each right now. My nitrite is still high but I will try to get my water to LFS next time I go to see if it is my tests or really nitrites. Thanks again.

sue