Nitrite Spike

[Neon06]

On Sunday I had a Nitrite spike that reached 10.0 according to the test strips. On Monday I did a 25 % W/C, Tuesday 25% W/C, and two 25% W/C today. After Monday’s W/C the nitrite level was 5.0, Tuesday was 1.0, and today’s is .5. My question is should I continue with the water changes or can I stop? I was going to do one more tomorrow so I could get the levels below .5. My Ammonia is at 0, Nitrates are at 20, pH is around 6.4, 0 alkalinity, and my water is soft. The reason I had the spike is because my tank isn’t done cycling yet. I’m doing a fish cycle, which I feel absolutely horrible about! This was my first aquarium in a long time and I was ignorant about setting it up. I wish I would have taken the time to research the proper way to proceed, but it’s to late now so all I can do is learn from my mistakes. Anyway thanks everyone!

 

[severina]

I would go ahead and just do one more. That should be enough.

 

[Marshall]

I'd go with water changes until a continuous 0 Nitrite is reached as it is harmful to fish and by this time you will be sure the filters will have matured enough to start stocking fully

 

[Neon06]

I check the water today and here’s what I found Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 20, Hardness 75 (Soft), Alkalinity 0, pH 6.4. The alkalinity and pH is outside the ideal ranges on my test but they have been consistent over time so I don’t want to start messing with them. I’m going to keep an eye on these levels and continue water changes if needed.