I HAVE NITRATE!! I HAVE NITRATE!! (umm.. now what??)

[shibumi2k]

Well... It's been a looooong road (or so it seems), but I FINALLY have some nitrate in my tank showing up on the tests - which I'm assuming means that we have actually 'cycled' or are pretty close!! :dance:

Sooooooo - now what??

My ammonia is VERY low (yea!), but there is still a hint of it when testing..

Nitrite is still showing very high on testing!! But, the fish don't seem to be reacting at all - everyone *seems* normal.. (then again they may all be brain dead from the early ammonia spikes.. )

Should we continue w/ the 50% water changes until the nitrite is gone??

What about the filter? (AquaClear 50) - I've avoided changing any of the media from the beginning in hopes of collecting as much bacteria as possible... Should I maybe change the sponge? Just rinse it? Change the charcoal bag??

Thanks again for all of the help!

 

[Hannys_Papa]

Defenitely kep up with the waterchanges untill the nitrite disappears. Its just as toxic as ammonia and you dont want it to build up to dangerous levels.

I wouldnt change or replace the filter media or cartridge. Just rinse it in some tank water after the water change. The one in my filter is going on 6 months now.

Of course if you need to use charcoal you might need to replace the bag.

 

[hurricanejedi]

If you still have ammonia and nitrites then you should continue the water changes. The sign of nitrates means your nitrite eating colony is starting to form. It sounds like you are on the last leg of the cycle.