Big Problem

[laurasmithuk]

hi all, yesterday i changed gravel over in my tank and changed about 40% of the water.

ive just come home and have got 3 fish dead.

my ammonia is - 0.25
my nitrite is - 2.0.

what can i do? i have done a small water change and added some tetra bactozyme which is meant to promote bacteria.

i have a feeling i changed too much water and tank has gone into a mini cycle.

what can i do and how long does a mini cycle normally last?

 

[tttnjfttt]

the length of the mini cycle will depend on how sever it is. Sicne your nitrite is up to 2.0, i would guess atleast a week, if not longer. The best thing you can do now is to keep up with daily water changes to lower the levels. For the time being, i would begin doing 25% water changes every 3 hours to bring the nitrite down to .5.

Also, depending on the type of fish you have, adding salt can help. Don't ask me why, but salt reduces the toxicity of nitrites.

Do you have a UGF filter or an external power filter?

 

[laurasmithuk]

its a juwel tank so has inbuilt filter.

4 more fish dead this morning! so sad to see as ive just got tank stocked up and it has been running great.