Nitrite

[Saint Cuthbert]

I am currently going through the initial stages of building my aquarium, got through ammonia spikes by water changing and the current levels are zero.
I am showing nitrate levels - so something must be there to be converting the nitrite? (Is this a wrong assumption).
I had a massive nitrite surge which survived three 25% water changes so bought some chemical stuff to reduce nitrite levels. This did the job, but a couple of days later they were back up again.
I am trying a foodless day and not really overstocked.....
Just wanting to know if keeping levels down with chemicals will do any harm to my cycling? will it reduce the bacteria at this stage? I know continuous useage will damage my plants.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Irf]

Firstly, I guess you're cycling with fish present from your comments?

Whatever the case, you must expect your nitrite to rocket as it's a product of the bacteria breaking down the ammonia properly. What now needs to happen is that other bacteria need to develop that will then break down the nitrites into nitrates. Then your water changes will have a better effect, as that's the recognised way of reducing nitrate levels (I believe). Overall, less chemicals is a better option.

As always, I'm sure there will be an expert along to correct me if I'm wrong...

Irf.