Lowering Nitrite!

[Ste36]

Hey,

I tested my tank for nitrite and it tested positive (alot of nitrite in there)

What is the best way to reduce this to 0 i have a few great vallis plants and 2 ghost carp.

thanks

Ste

 

[avoxo]

Hi Ste36, did you just set up this tank within the last couple of weeks or months because if you did the tank is cycling.

Here is a great web site explaining this.

The Nitrogen cycle

 

[Ste36]

Hey thanks for reading,

Yes its been running now for about 4-5 weeks but ive been changing the water quite often, how will i know when the tank has finished cycling?

thanks

ste

 

[avoxo]

When there is no more nitrites in the water

 

[aquariumfishguy]

The tank is finished cycling when you have zero Ammonia and zero Nitrite... with 20-30ppm of nitrate. That level will vary greatly depending on your circumstances, but the point is to get zero ammonia and nitrite. You DO want nitrates as this means your tank water chemisty is working properly.

You are at the "normal" stage of the game right now. Its been a little over a month, this isn't anything out of the ordinary to be wrapping up the cycling process after 4 weeks or so. You know that the cycling process is near complete when you see nitrites.

 

[TKOS]

Make sure to keep changing the water though as those nitrites will really hurt the fish gills. If they can't stay down for some reason I have heard that adding some salt to the water will help the gills block out the nitrites. Something like 1 tbsp per 5 gallons.

 

[Ste36]

Hey,

Ok thanks for your help people i can now rest and wait for my tank to finish the cycle!!

thanks

Ste