Can't seem to lower nitrite

[barnettcb]

I need some advice on lowering my nitrite level.
Before I start, here is my tank setup:

10 gallon tank
Penguin 100 Bio-wheel power filter (10-20 gallon filter)
100 watt heater
Bubble wand buried under gravel connected to airpump for 10 gallon tank
A few live plants
7 african cichlids (I am aware that this is too many for this tank)

Water parameters:
Ammonia 0
Nitrite around 5
Nitrate around 5
temp 80 F
pH around 7.4
approx. 2.5 tsp rock salt dissolved in water currently


This tank has only been set up for about a month, however I added enough Bio-Spira initially to treat 30 gallons. The ammonia levels came down within a few days and nitrate was present within a week. The nitrite, however, has stayed high. I did a 30% water change yesterday and see no difference in the nitrite level today.

I am aware that having 7 cichlids (all around 2 inches each) in such a small tank is probably the source of my problem. I was hoping, however that someone might suggest something to help increase the nitrite-eating bacteria population.

I have read that mulm can interfere with the growth of these bacteria. I can rinse the filter cartridge to remove the mulm (if there is any) but should I rinse the Bio-wheel also?

I am planning a 50% water change today. Any additional thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Watcher74]

The 7 cichlids are producing so much ammonia it is inhibiting the growth of nitrite eating bacteria I would believe.

Either reduce fish stock or do daily large water changes.

 

[Gunnie]

Make sure you rinse your filter and bio wheel in old tank water. I don't think you can over rinse if you do it this way. Since you added the bio spira a month ago, frequent water changes should not affect your bacteria in the tank. I would continue with the water changes and add amquel plus as your conditioner to neutralize the nitrites until you can get them under control.

 

[Holly9937]

are you vacuuming the gravel as well?

 

[Roan Art]

I agree with Watcher. Bio Spira or no, nitrite eaters are pretty fragile and if you are hitting any that want to colonize with excessive amounts of ammonia from the fish bioload, they are not going to hang around.

Daily water changes until they are established. You can also add 1 tsp salt (table salt is fine) per gallon mixed with tank water to help detoxify the nitrites.

Other than the above and Watcher's suggestions, all I can advise is patience.

Roan

 

[barnettcb]

are you vacuuming the gravel as well?

I think that in the month that the tank has been set up I have only vacuumed the gravel once or twice (been doing 30% water changes weekly from bottom of tank).
I have read conflicting opinions about vacuuming reducing the bio-filtration but given what I have read thus far on my post, I think I need to do a thorough vacuuming in order to reduce any additional ammonia. Does that seem reasonable?

 

[Jay]

Let's rethink the bacteria thing a bit.

The nitrifying bacteria that produce nitrates are slower to colonize than the bacteria that produces nitrites. Slower colony growth, more nitrites in the water column.

The nitrifying bacteria which convert ammonia and produce nitrites colonize a lot quicker and then yes more nitrites in the water.

It really has very little to do with hurting them but with speed of colonization. That said, a good dose of chlorine, H2O2, etc. in the water column may set you back a bit.

and...all bacteria grow everywhere, on plants, in gravel, on the bio wheel, in the filter...everywhere but they are Not loose in the water column.

Bio Spira is a fragile product, it sounds like the tank is trying to cycle. My concern is that the ammonia produced by your large fish load is going to cause health problems before you can get the tank cycled.

A good vacuuming of the top 1/4" of the substrate in a lightly planted tank is a good thing. Especially with the bio load you have

Jay

 

[liv2padl]

though you may ultimately solve the nitrite problem, it will not solve your bigger problem ... 7 african cichlids in a ten gallon tank is bound to result in the death of many of these fish.