Nitrite Question

[RIDavid]

My tank has been cycling and the last couple days it has been processing 4ppm ammonia in 12 hours. When the ammonia is 0,the Nitrites are also 0. I ad ammonia back to 4ppm and if I check like 5 hours later the Nitrite is sky high. Why does the Nitrite keep spiking?

 

[StandbySetting]

That's normal, the ammonia is being processed in 12 hours, but the nitrite isn't hence the readings, the bacteria that process nitrite take longer to reproduce than those that process ammonia, so you've got another week or two before you're ready for fish.

 

[RIDavid]

The nitrite is being processed in the 12 hours also. I just didnt think it would shoot up after I ad ammonia. After 12 hours I check the ammonia and nitrite and both are zero. Does it sound like it is cycled? If not then what am I looking out for?

 

[StandbySetting]

After 12 hours is fine, you have to remember that when fish excrete waste it is not all in one go like adding ammonia is, if you've done a qualifying week then you're ready to add fish.

 

[Aqua Tom]

It sounds like you are cycled but to be on the safe side do a "qualifying week" where you just keep dosing & testing for one week to be sure there are no problems. If this is all well then its time for fish.