aquarium pharmaceutical nitrite reading problem

[sk8rdude2085]

Hey all. Got a question about a nitrite reading. I have a aquarium pharmaceutical freshwater master test kit and am currently on day 54 of a fishless cycle. My ammonia is zero but when i test my nitrite it starts off at about 1.5ppm. Ill come back to it and then it goes down. It turns to 1.0 then about .50 then it just becomes as clear as tap water. I have tried to reshake it and nothing happens. Anyone have this happen to them?

[Rbishop]

yes, you need to follow the directions exactly and call the reading at the appropriate time. Waiting later just isn't reliable and you shouldn't base your actions on it.

What level of ammonia are you dosing to daily?

[sk8rdude2085]

5ppm everyday.

[Rbishop]

and how much is it dropping in 24 hrs?

[sk8rdude2085]

It drops to zero.

[sk8rdude2085]

Also my nitrAtes seem very low to me. They are only at about 40. Something wrong here too?

[Rbishop]

Temp of tank?

Do a set of readings right now if you can, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate...you may be there..

When was the last time you dosed up to 5 ppm?

[sk8rdude2085]

Temp of tank is 82. I last put in ammonia yesterday morning. I just ran tests so here are the results on the 5 minute mark:

Ammonia: 0
NitrItes: about .75
NitrAtes: 10

[Rbishop]

I would do water change so nitrites are 0-.25, dose to 3ppm, wait 24 hrs and check all readings again.

[sk8rdude2085]

how big of a water change?

[Rbishop]

50-75%.

[sk8rdude2085]

alright will do. Thanks for your time.

[Rbishop]

anytime....fell free..that's what we are here for.


Settled on what fish you will be getting?

[sk8rdude2085]

Yeah, probably about 5 neon tetras and a betta. I have a 10 gallon. Also, if my readings are good tomorrow do i need to do another big water change?

[Rbishop]

if the nitrites are not at zero and an increase on nitrates, I'd say yes.