Nitrite (no2) Problem

[jb12288]

I set my tank up December 3 2007. I have never had a problem with my Nitrite problem before. Just yesterday I tested my NO2 and it is in the middle of 1.0 and 3.0. My NO2 has always been at 0.5. How can I lower my NO2 levels. My other levels are 40ppm Nitrate (NO3), 1.0-3.0 Nitrite )NO2), 120 hardness, 120 Alkalinity, and my pH is 7.6. How do i lower my NO2 levels?

 

[st24rsap]

water changes will reduce them. what is your ammonia level?

how did you cycle the tank when you first set it up?

 

[jb12288]

water changes will reduce them. what is your ammonia level?

how did you cycle the tank when you first set it up?

im not sure about my ammonia level...i have to run to the LFS today to get some more ammonia test strips...i ran out of those probably two weeks ago...i do 1 25% water change a week. I did a fishless cycle. It took about 2 1/2 weeks.

 

[WILDER]

How often do you maintain the tank.
How many fish and which type.
How many gallons is the tank.

 

[jb12288]

How often do you maintain the tank.
How many fish and which type.
How many gallons is the tank.

once a week i change 25%, i scrape algae, i put tbsp salt for every 5 gallons. i dechlorinate every water change. i have 1 tiger oscar 3 convict cichlids, 1 red tail shark, 2 peacock eels both 6" long, and 1 peacock cichlid.

 

[jb12288]

How often do you maintain the tank.
How many fish and which type.
How many gallons is the tank.

once a week i change 25%, i scrape algae, i put tbsp salt for every 5 gallons. i dechlorinate every water change. i have 1 tiger oscar 3 convict cichlids, 1 red tail shark, 2 peacock eels both 6" long, and 1 peacock cichlid.

75 gallon tank, forgot to say that

 

[rdd1952]

I set my tank up December 3 2007. I have never had a problem with my Nitrite problem before. Just yesterday I tested my NO2 and it is in the middle of 1.0 and 3.0. My NO2 has always been at 0.5. How can I lower my NO2 levels. My other levels are 40ppm Nitrate (NO3), 1.0-3.0 Nitrite )NO2), 120 hardness, 120 Alkalinity, and my pH is 7.6. How do i lower my NO2 levels?

Actually, you've always had a nitrite problem. Ammonia and nitrite should always be 0. My advice would be to get rid of the strips and get a good liquid test kit. Strips are terribly inaccurate. As mentioned, water changes will lower nitrite and ammonia. You should do them as needed to keep the levels below .25 ppm until the tank cycles and they drop to zero.

Also, why are you adding salt to the tank? The fish you have definitely don't need it.