PH & nitrites high
- Thread starter chvojka
- Start date
The ph you normally just leave alone, most fish can adjust to anything as long as its not extreme. The nitrites have to be removed with more frequent water changes. If you have readings, your tank is not cycled and will go away once it is. Until then, lots of water changes to keep your fish alive. Check out the cycling stickys! 
ph is above 8 nitrites are a strong 5 I did a 90% water change totally cleaned rocks & furniture new filter pad with extra carbon added last night after I lost my electric blue lobster 2 1/2 inches. today nitrites are 0 ph is still the same and I need to get ammonia test kit. I thought cycling was for saltwater only but it appears i'm wrong can I still save the set up with out having to take out fish and start from scrach?
Removing your old filter media likely restarted your cycle from scratch unless you used some of your old carbon. That is where your bacteria is living. Frequent water changes is what needs to be done over the next 4-6 weeks until your ammonia and nitrites remain at 0.
Yes, you can do a cycle with fish. You nedd an amonia teat kit and nitrate. Best if you buy a master kit, everything is includes. Once you get the ammonia test, post reading for ammon and nitrite. We can better explain what your in for once we have those numbers. If you don't have a gravel vac, you will want to get one.