Nitrite Peak?

[Velvet AciD]

Hi, I've been cycling for about 3 weeks. I just added a few Danios a week ago.

I've read/heard that as soon as nitrites start to peak do a water change and all of the water parameters would strighten themselves out. At the moment, my tank is at 3ppm nitrites, 20ppm nitrates.

How far do I let those readings peak? I have a 8.2 pH, 180ppm Alkalinity, 300ppm Water Hardness.

The fishes in there right now are 3 Danios and an Oto, with Crystal Val and a few Swords.

Thanks in advance!

 

[christine]

I had the same question- mine peaked to about 40ppm for nitrites, but I did daily water changes...stayed this way for about 2 weeks...then it went down...hope this helps

 

[Lithril]

If you're cycling with fish you need to keep the nitrItes as low as possible, any amounts in there can be damaging to your fish - this is why cycling with fish takes longer than fishless, its because you can never let your nitrItes build up to a level in which the bacteria can thrive on.