Nitrite spike question

[MsDad]

Ok, I understand cycling (ammonia, bacteria, nitrites, nitrates, etc) but there is one thing that just makes no sense to me and I need an answer ASAP - I've already lost several fish! I have a nitrite spike and have done a few small water changes, as well as adding Amquel and more bacterial starter (can't remember the name, but it's made by Marineland and has to be refrigerated until used - says it works overnight). If I do huge water changes, doesn't that remove the bacterial colony I'm working to establish, as well as reducing the nitrites? I just don't get it... Can anyone help me before I lose more fish?!?

 

[Tolak]

No, because the bacteria is mainly on the filter media, gravel, and other decorations, as well as the tank itself. The only way you will kill off bacteria with water changes is with improperly dechlorinated water.

Tolak

 

[MsDad]

So I should get my butt in there and do a hefty water change and not worry about the bacteria I added this afternoon??

 

[The-Raven]

So I should get my butt in there and do a hefty water change and not worry about the bacteria I added this afternoon??

yes

 

[Tolak]

The nitrite spike is a symptom of a problem in an established tank. If it is a newer tank, it is just cycling. In an established tank, improper dechlorination can kill off bacteria, causing a spike, or fish deaths, which can decay, causing an excessixe amount of ammonia, can overload the bacterial colony, causing a nitrite spike.

If you added the bacterial starter, i would leave it until tomorrow to see if it gives the existing bacteria a kick in the butt. Do a water test, and if it's doing better, leave it. If it's the same, then do a 50% water change & keep monitoring water parameters.

Tolak

 

[MsDad]

Well, it's too late. I lost my male Viejita II cacatuoides. I'm not sure whether to curse or cry so I've been doing both. The good news (if there is any after losing more than 50% of your fish) is that the nitrates are up - they had been at zero - and the nitrites are down a bit. I'm going to check again in the morning, and if they aren't down considerably, I'll do another water change. (forgot to mention I did a 30% change between my first post and now) I also put in some more substrate from a very old, well-established tank. Not sure how well I'm going to sleep now.

 

[MsDad]

It's now morning and I haven't lost any more fish (thank goodness!). But nitrites, although a bit lower, are still way too elevated. Have yet to check ammonia this morning, but as it was undetectable yesterday I'm not freaking about about it. I did add the tiniest amount of salt last night and after water change ran the H.O.T. Magnum all night. Hardness is still higher than I'd like, so I'm going to get several gallons of distilled water to use in my water changes today. If anyone has any further advice, I will most happily and gratefull accept it.

Thanks!