Nitrite Level At 10 After 30% Water Change...

[teanuhh]

Topic says it all. Nitrate and everything else is in range, nitrite is the only one off the charts. How do I lower it?

 

[fluttermoth]

Do a larger water change.

 

[Xraymark]

What test kit are you using? I think the API kit only goes up to 5. Any nitrite is harmful to fish. 10, I would expect stressed and dead fish.
Retest and if necessary 90% water change which will bring it down to 1. Then another 90% water change to bring to 0.1.
Nitrite is meant to be more harmful than ammonia. Are you sure it's not nitrates your picking up?

 

[teanuhh]

I have mardel 5 in 1 test strips... And it was definitely at 10 I removed the fish and am doing another water change and then I'll retest and let you know what that one is at.

Last time I tested, which was before my ich outbreak and this water change, it was a little under 1. I have no idea what happened.

 

[Xraymark]

What's the unit of measurement on your tester. PPM is used on the API and it's what I'm used to.
Maybe test your tap water.
Most people on the forum would recommend a liquid tester as the strips can be in accurate.

 

[teanuhh]

Mine goes by ppm as well. I just did a 90% change and now it's at 1 instead of 10. Sooo much better.

Liquid tester? Does it change color? These were the only thing Petsmart had at the time. I don't like them so I'm open to what you or anyone else suggests.

 

[Xraymark]

API master kit is what I use. Try amazon, it's usually cheaper than in a pet shop. It's accurate and reasonable priced compared to some others.
We still don't know why your nitrites are high.