Nitrite Gone Up

[Mbuna Dave]

Hi all.

I did a 20/25% water change yesterday and then went to bed.
When i checked the tank at diner time today the fish were gasping at the surface.
I checked the Ammonia and it read 0.
I checked the Nitrite and it read 0.50.

Why has the Nitrites gone up?

I have an internal Juwel filter fully cycled and i have an external Eheim 2224 also fully cycled.So why the increase?

The tank has been running since before Christmas with the Juwel and i added the Eheim about two months ago.

I have increased the air via a venturi on the outlet of the Juwel.
Temp is at 80F.
And i added Ammolock before replacing the fresh water so anybody got any ideas to the increase in Nitrites?

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Why did you add Ammolock? A fully cycled tank should neither want or need such an item.
I'd recommend you test your tap water for nitrItes. See if some came in that way. If that's clear then check for any possible missing fish (A dead fish will decay and mess the tank very fast). Assuming the water is clear of nitrIte then do another water change to lower the levels in the tank. If it is the tap water then contact the water company and ask why!! You can also try adding Amquel+. That neutralises the NitrIte. Although I wouldn't recommend using it unless the nitrIte is in your tap water.
Hugs,
P.

 

[Mbuna Dave]

Thanks Dib dabs

I use Ammolock because it de-chlorinates and de-chloromines as well as the locking of ammonia.
I thought it wouldnt do any harm so long as the first two issues are out of the way,should i change it do you think.?

 

[Mbuna Dave]

Today everything is fine with the Nitrites back at 0.
Unfortunately i had one death.
But why did the Nitrites go up for one day?
Its enough to pull my hair out.

 

[jarmado]

Today everything is fine with the Nitrites back at 0.
Unfortunately i had one death.
But why did the Nitrites go up for one day?
Its enough to pull my hair out.

which fish died?
i have readings of 0.5ppm on my tank for weeks now and i can not get it to come down to 0.

 

[Mbuna Dave]

I havent determined which fish died yet as it is hard to tell once they have snuffed it.
I have tried to do a fish count but the buggers keep hiding behind the rocks.

 

[Mbuna Dave]

Did another water change yesterday and nitrites have gone up again.I changed about 20/25% and left the filters alone.
It reads 0.25 and the fish are swimming near the surface.I have increased air flow to help aeration.

But why oh why does this keep happening after a water change.I am frightened of doing any more water changes for fear of killing my fish,just what the heck is happening?

 

[TimJ]

Hi Dave

Did you test your tap water yet?

Tim

 

[Mbuna Dave]

Tap water is fine Hermit,thanks.

 

[TimJ]

Dave

260 lts has good buffering, even a dead fish should 'nt spike that badly I would 'nt have thought.

I think more experience is called for! I'm still learning by the minute at the moment.

Sorry

Tim

 

[Mbuna Dave]

Its definately a problem i need sorting out.
This is the second time it has happened and am dreading doing another water change in case of more casualties.
All the fish seem fine at the moment so hopefully all should be well.

But what the hell causes it?