Nitrites between 1.0-2.0 2 fish dead

[krazitrain]

I didn't realize my biowheel wasn't spinning. The level of nitrites has shot up between 1.0-2.0 Ammonia is 0. Tank is 37 gallons.. 1 1/2 years established.

What can I do so all the fish don't die? I hate adding chemicals, but....

 

[Tolak]

Water changes, increase aeration. There isn't a reliable chemical to remove nitrites, water changes work best.

Tolak

 

[rdd1952]

Are you sure you're test kit is correct? It seems odd that you would get a nitrite spike but still not have any ammonia. As suggested, water changes are the best option to lower nitrite, 15 to 25 percent daily

 

[twinsmom]

I have been having trouble with my readings a well. I was told to use a liquid test kit as they are more reliable. I was using mardel test strips (5 in 1 and ammonia). I just bought a freshwater master test kit from Aquarium pharmaceuticals. It is the easiest and most reliable one I have ever used.

 

[Sky042]

Are you sure you're test kit is correct? It seems odd that you would get a nitrite spike but still not have any ammonia. As suggested, water changes are the best option to lower nitrite, 15 to 25 percent daily

The amonia eating bacteria is faster to multiply so it may have grown to adapt to the higher level of ammonia before he realized that the bio-wheel wasn't spinning.