Nitrite High!

[deano1978]

Hi

my nitrite has spiked this morning to 5.0ppm and the nitrate is 40ppm should i do a 50% water change as i have lost 2 sailfins already this morning?

 

[dc3]

Sorry to hear about your loss... Is your tank new? it could still be cycling... the fastest way to take your nitrites down is a water change.. do 25% now, then 25% in 6 to 8 hours - one more if you can - remember to de-chlor your water - 2 or 3 25% changes should bring your levels down to something more bearable... good luck

 

[rdd1952]

As mentioned, do 25% water changes every 3 or 4 hours if possible until you get the nitrite below .5ppm. What is your reading for ammonia? If you are using a 5 in 1 strip kit that doesn't test ammonia, I imagine your fish loss is from ammonia poisoning rather than the nitrite.