Nitrite Levels

[2fishlovers]

I bought a 10 gallon fish tank 5 weeks ago and started with 6 Neon Tetra's and a handfull of plants.

The PH is fine but the Nitrite level is constantly high, I have been to my local aquarium shop lots of times over the past week's to have the Nitrite levels tested (I am on first name terms with them because I go back so many times!). He is very helpful and doesn't charge for the tests but I bought my own testing kit (Interpet) to save the trips.

He advised me to get the next hardy fish to have and I have now 2 Mickey Mouse Reds, 2 Golden Mickey Mouse and 2 Black and Yellow Wagtails who, along with the Neon Tetra's and plants are still thriving.

I just can't understand why it's taking so long for the nitrite levels to drop. I have done 2 water changes (1/3 each time in 5 weeks) and added some 'Aquasafe' liquid and another 'Bactozym' tablet each time.

Does anyone know please?

 

[modernhamlet]

What level are your nitrites currently?

The nitrite is high because the tank is cycling. I'm not sure how you haven't had losses yet, but 2 water changes in 5 weeks isn't nearly enough to keep nitrites at safe levels on a cycling tank. I would urge you to increase the number of water changes until the nitrite returns to safe levels. Daily is not too much. Get nitrites below 1ppm and keep them there with water changes as needed.

Hope that helps...

 

[BobK]

what are your other readings, especially ammonia? It sounds like you've added a big bioload to your filter at once, rather than gradually. Your tank my not have been completely cycled after five weeks and adding more, larger fish won't be good for the water quality.

I would monitor ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels daily and continue doing daily partial water changes until both ammonia and nitrite are zero. It could take a bit.

Could you get back to us with your readings?

 

[2fishlovers]

My own test has been done with Interpet and the reading shows 4.0mg/l. The tests done with the aquarium shop owner went from luminous green to dark red within 2 weeks and hasn't come back down yet.

Thanks for the advice, I'll start doing daily water changes.

Should I test for Nitrites every couple of days or should I leave a longer gap between changes?