Nitrite And Nitrate High -please Help

[blackbat]

got the fish tank about a month ago and it has a new filter (new everything except the tank)
added a few rocks from the fish shop and some nice lights and plastic plants added water
(without treatment of any kind) and thought I would let the water settle before adding the fish
( I have had the fish given me in thier tank but I have had to split them as their tank is too small for them really so they are now awaiting the new tank)
so I went to get the water tested today and the nitrite is over 5ppm and the nitrate is elevated too (can't remember how high).
The woman in the local pet shop was alarmed by this and said I would have to clean everything out and wash it all in water and start again or the fish would die.
Now I don't know anything about cycling or filters or anything really ( I should have read more before doing this) but could this be normal? or has my tank become contaminated by something like she thinks at the petshop?
do I have to wash out my filter and do a complete water change?
What could have caused such a high reading in a tank with no fish in it?
Oh forgot to mention there is no algae or water cloudiness. the tank is crystal clear and there is a pump and a filter running.
I am really worried as she said if the tank had been cleaned out by the previous owner with a cleaning solution that is can seep into the seals of the tank and I will never be able to get rid of the nitrites
I love this tank it looks great set up and I know the fish will love it too if I ever get to move them in.
I really need advise and any help I get will be of great use and very welcome.
sorry for going on so long
Kerry x

 

[blue acara]

very strange that youre getting a nitrite reading with no fish. have you got any ammonia reading?

i have not heard of cleaning solution causing nitrite but it could be.

i would do a 100% change then refill and test the water mabie 1-2 days after that. if you have nitrite then the tank may well be ruined-mabie you can clean the seals with something else?-however im not sure what would help mabie salt?

goodluck

 

[blackbat]

all other levels tested with the tetra dip test came out fine. just the nitrite and nitrate.
will empty it this week want to change a few things anyhow wash everything down and rinse the filter in the fresh water then retest. hopefully this should sort it out and I can move the poor fishypoos to the nice new tank

 

[xoedusk]

Try testing your water without the fish tank. Straight from the tap. This way you can tell if it is the tank or your water.

Did you wash your gravel? Not sure if this could be the problem.

 

[Kiwigirl]

Can you find out what the tank was cleaned with.

Your tank may still be cycling, do some research on the nitrogen cycle.

If it is still cycling and you do a 100% clean out you will end up starting the process all over again.

Do a 20% water change and see if the levels drop. Filter media need to be rinsed in tank water not from the tap.

I also suggest that you get a master test kit, that contains, ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate kits.

Good luck.

 

[chiqui_baby]

I recommend testing with liquid tests if you can (not sure what they use at the store you are getting your water tested at). I also think that with each water change, treat your new water with de chlorinator and go from there. Your water may have high nitrates as is known to be the case. In any case, nitrate never leaves your tank unless you do water changes. It's the last step in the cycle and that's why we do water changes. Def find out what they cleaned it with if you can! Don't stress, it happens and just be patient. A cycled tank is a happy tank! As Kiwi mentioned, it's well worth it to do your own research on the Nitrogen cycle so your LFS doesn't alarm you and you understand what the results mean. Good luck!

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I recommend testing with liquid tests if you can (not sure what they use at the store you are getting your water tested at). I also think that with each water change, treat your new water with de chlorinator and go from there. Your water may have high nitrates as is known to be the case. In any case, nitrate never leaves your tank unless you do water changes. It's the last step in the cycle and that's why we do water changes. Def find out what they cleaned it with if you can! Don't stress, it happens and just be patient. A cycled tank is a happy tank! As Kiwi mentioned, it's well worth it to do your own research on the Nitrogen cycle so your LFS doesn't alarm you and you understand what the results mean. Good luck!

agreed, look for the API master test kit, it's liquid tests and is much more reliable that the dip tests your store have used. I don't rate them at all, chances are it's just a false reading.

 

[purple]

Hi. I had the same problem too when I set my tank up. I had the water tested and the nitrite was way too high. It was suggested I add tank safe water conditioner to the water, leave it a week to let the filter do it's job and have it tested again. Is the water very chalky where you live? This can cause a lot of problems. I have an external water filter in a cupboard under the tank which clears the water fairly quickly. Patience is the key! It can take up to 6-8 weeks, sometimes longer before the water is safe for the fish.