Can't get nitrite level right

[Shadowfax]

Hi, I have a small hexagonal 5 gallon fish tank, it has an under gravel filter and 4 Mollies. The tank is about 4 weeks old and the PHP levels have been right from the start but the nitrite level I just can't get right. The test comes out at around 1.5 to 2.5 mg/l my chart says just keep adding the filter start live bacteria. I feed the fish once every 2 days and add a little filter start at the same time.

What should I do?

Andy

 

[Joviella]

Are you sure its nitrate and not nitrite?

 

[Shadowfax]

Whoops - I mean Nitrite - Just shows how new I am to it!

Just edited the post so it looks right now.

Andy

 

[kev_kb]

Whats your Ammonia level?

 

[Joviella]

I would suggest that you read the pinned topics at the top of this section to get an idea of how it all works......i.e.cycling etc
Then, if you have more questions,post them in here and people will help you out. Do you have any other readings? I assume,because you mentioned no fish that you don't have any yet.....or do you?

 

[Shadowfax]

Hi, I don't know how to check the amonia, I have got 4 mollies which I stated in the first post, I do apologies if the name is spelt incorrectly.

Andy

 

[kev_kb]

You need to buy a test kit for Ammonia, that is more toxic to fish than Nitrite, but as you have Nitrites you may be pass the Ammonia spike.

As Chali suggested read through the topics on cycling, then post your questions. I would also do a partial water change to get the Nitrite down.