high nitrite levels

[gersheff]

I am doing the fishless cycle. I am getting a zero reading for ammonia a few hous after i put some in. I have reduced the ammount of ammonia I am putting into the tank to approximately 3mL ( I have a 10 gallon tank)

However, my nitrite levels are throught the roof, and there is no sign of them coming down. Should I do a series of water changes?

Oh ya, I've been doing the cycle for about 3 weeks now.

 

[LittlePuff]

That is the longest phase of the cycle. Since you have no fish in there, I'd leave the water alone. I don't know if you should be adding more ammonia, maybe someone else can tell you that.

Kim

 

[JSchmidt]

You are within normal limits of a fishless cycle, so don't fret. You can change enough water to get nitrites down to a level that doesn't max out your test kit. That can be helpful, because if you can't detect any change in nitrites, you can't be sure when/if they're dropping. (They will drop whether or not you test, but sometimes the waiting is easier if you can see some progress...)

So change away if you wish. I'd start with a 50% change and see if nitrites are readable. If they're still over the top, change 50% and see what that does.

Good luck,
Jim

 

[gersheff]

so should i continue adding small amounts of ammonia?

 

[JSchmidt]

Yes, you want to make sure the ammonia-oxidizers stay in good shape.

Jim