Nitrite levels?

[Squealor]

I knew that with cycling, I'd have a peak in nitrite levels, but my nitrite the last couple of days has been out of control. Ammonia has been at zero for at least 9 days now. Nitrite was high, so I did a 50% water change a day and a half ago. Nitrite levels are even higher tonight! How long does this last and do I just keep doing water changes? How high is too high?

[LittlePuff]

If you want your tetras to make it, yes. That is the longest part of the cycle. Keep an eye on it and keep making water changes.

Kim

[Squealor]

Thanks!! It just seems like so long and it's not getting better... especially since we JUST did a huge water change, I thought it would be better, not worse! I'm glad to know this is the longest and I'll keep changing water!

[Holly9937]

Just keep doing the water changes :) !! And you may need to do more than 50% a day, you want the nitrite to be at 0 or very close to 0, it is really toxic to the fish. If you have to, do a 50% change and if its still high do another :rolleyes:

[Kasakato]

More water changes! You can do as many as it takes to get your levels down. Unless you do a LOT of them, and I mean a LOT, it will have little effect on the cycle.

[LittlePuff]

I think he's more concerned about his fish. There will still be enough nitrites left for your cycle. It won't affect it.


Kim

[JSchmidt]

At a maximum, don't allow nitrite to go above .5 ppm. As mentioned, lower is better; anything above zero ppm will still allow the bacteria to grow.

Jim