Nitrites won't go down!

[as40]

Hey all.

Well. Been doing 25% water changes on my tank daily. I use only R/O water. So it's been getting expensive. For tank spec's, please see my tank spec's below.

I only have live rock in there right now, besides a single snail that is either a Turbo or Astrea.

On the bright side, my ammonia level has dropped to between 0.25-0.50ppm, but on the down side my nitrites are still through the roof at over 5ppm.

I'm worried this will be very bad for whatever may have survived to this point on my rock. From everything I've searched on this site, the only solution to high nitrites seems to be water changes. They don't seem to make a dent in the level of nitrites, however.

:argh

Sorry, just getting frustrated. Please, is there anything else that may help in reducing the nitrites? Thanks in advance.

 

[Kurt]

Have you taken a water sample to the local fish store for a comparison on your own readings?

 

[mogurnda]

Nitrite takes quite a while to go down, but it wouldn't hurt to get an independent test.

 

[as40]

That's true...

I think I'll try taking a sample to Petco, as much as I dislike the place, just to see what they're instant tests show. I don't think my LFS will do a test for me, but who knows, since I'm in there a lot. I will try there, but they have a big sign at the front stating that they absolutely will no longer do water tests for customers.

If the readings come back high from these places as well, what should I do? If the water changes aren't lowering the level to under 1ppm, do I have to worry that everything will be killed off?

Thanks again.

 

[JasonA]

Originally posted by as40
I don't think my LFS will do a test for me, but who knows, since I'm in there a lot. I will try there, but they have a big sign at the front stating that they absolutely will no longer do water tests for customers.

WTF ????
What type of place is this ????

Which place is this?

 

[LT1OwnzYou]

ALL of my LFS do water tests for free. WHat kind of filtration are u using? I had a problem with nitrites, wouldnt go down past 4ppm. I added a handful of Calupra and within a week, and 2 20% water changes....my nitrites went down to .5ppm The calupra helped a bunch. Its cheap, wouldnt hurt to try

 

[mogurnda]

Are you skimming? In my opinion, all you can do is export it any way you can. Water changes, skimming (which will get rid of precursors), and waiting for germs to get established.

 

[LT1OwnzYou]

Skimming helps too. I got one of the cheaper skimmers from petco, submersible one. That sucker skims this shiot outta my 55 gallon. I empty a full cup about once a week. Nasty brown/green stuff in it

 

[as40]

Thanks all for the responses...
Jason, I don't want to name names, but I can PM you the name of the place if you want, you may know it. They have two stores, one in Ventura, and one in T.O.
Dave, yes I am skimming, full-time 24/7. I'm emptying about a full cup every day or so.
LT1, what's Calupra, if I may ask?

Haven't had time to get those tests yet from any store, but will do so probably tonight, along with retesting myself to see where they're at. Thanks again all.

 

[Max]

you don't happen to be useing crused coral as a substrate do you? I had problem cause I followed some bad advise from a lfs so, if you do take it out and things should improve.
hope this helps.
chris