Nitrite Spike

[CMatheson]

tank info.
10US Gal tank...19 3/4" lgth, 11"ht, 9 3/4" wth. Aqua Tech power filter 5/15. water temp. 80oF

inhabitants: 5-1.75" Albino Tiger Barbs.

ammonia: 0.0
PH : 7.8 ( same as local tap water )
Nitrite : 0.8 1st day, 1.6 2nd day, 1.6 3rd day

March 8/06 first day. 10% water change with aqua + conditioner, and dble dose of cycle.
2nd day. 20 % water change w/aqua + conditioner, and dble dose of cycle... 10 % of new water was from my community tank which has perfect readings.
3rd day... im thinking 50 % water change.. but would like some advice at this point..

The fish are still very energetic, chase each other constantly. scales are very vibrant and shiney. no redness around gills. would like to keep them like this : ).. so would really like to get control of that nitrite spike.

March 1/06 all readings were ammonia=0.1, Nitrite=0.0, PH=8.0

any suggestions would be appreciated thanks.

 

[WILDER]

Smaller water changes as it will take for ever to cycle the tank.

 

[CMatheson]

thanks Wilder... figured i should just stay with the 10 % water changes until it resolves itself. but just wanted varification.. I also slowed up on the feeding..

thanks again.

 

[CMatheson]

ok, its now a week, and Nitrite lvls are remaining the same... beginning to think I should start changing the 10 % water every 12 hrs now instead of 24hrs... what do you all think?

March 13/06
Ammonia: 0.0
Nitrite: 1.6
PH: 7.8 ( tap PH the same ).

Albino Tiger barbs. 5-1.75 " still swimming fine. not air gasping, not hanging around the water flow. no red/browness around gills. Has airation. slowed down feeding.

thanks for replies in advance.

 

[WILDER]

It's getting there the nitrite will peak then gradually come down to 0, every 24 hours if the fish look ok, good luck.

 

[CMatheson]

You know, I know the rule of thumb for fixing these issues... but when it actually happens to your own fish ( tanks ). You begin to get a little nervous, anxious, then down right panicy LOL...

thanks again Wilder, i ll just try to remain calm LOL...

/salute

 

[WILDER]

I know, it's peaking it should start to come down, fingers crossed with the fish bless them.