Cycling Me Crazy

[steveo123xxx]

I have a 50 gal tank last week my levels of nitrate and nitrite were off the chart now they are still quite high, nitrate is at 80, and nitrite is at 10,
I was chnging water every other day but now it has been a week since last change. should I continue the cycle without the water change or should I
do a 10-20% change now? and 1 last question I do have charcoal in my filter should I remove it or leave it in ?

 

[luque]

you just have to be patient, and

and 1 last question I do have charcoal in my filter should I remove it or leave it in ?

by charcole do you mean carbon? if so there is no real need for this.

 

[Terriann]

Just a quick question, why are you doing water changes while you are cycling? I am afraid that as far as I am aware, this isn't going to help but will make it take longer - unless you already have fish in there? Unfortunately it does take a long time, will be worth it when you have happy fishies in there.

Tan

 

[backtotropical]

Hi,

If there are fish in the tank, you need to reduce nitrite levels to 0.25. 10 is lethal for fish.

Water changes once per week is not enough. You need to do water changes as oftem as it takes to keep nitrite and ammonia below 0.25, or you will suffer deaths in your tank.

This may involve water changes 2 or 3 times per day. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Backtotropical