Nitrites

[bigdave2009]

My tank is about 3-4 weeks in....i have it fully stocked with plenty of fish (maybe overstocked). Everything is good in the tank except the nitrite and i havent tested for ammonia (which ill assume is problably also high) The nitrates, ph, alkalinity and hardness are all perfect. All of the fish also seem very happy, eexcept for one guppy. Most of the fish were put in the tank around week 2, after using stability to prevent new tank syndrome to speed up the process. I am trying to lower nitrites and ammonia, but they dont seem to be going down. I only feed the fish once a day. I am currently using stability, aquarium salt and amquel plus (which is suppose to reduce ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates). This really isnt working fast enough, Any suggestions or comments ( any input is great, I like to learn)

 

[Kaylee]

I would do partial water changes 25% at least everyday till the nitrite and ammonia isn't an issue anymore. Cycling in my experience takes awhile. Its just that your good bacteria isn't established yet. Cycling a new tank takes time and patience, but don't be to discouraged when it isn't cycling fast enough for you. Sooner or later it will cycle.

 

[Tobigara]

this is the problem with fish-in cycling. it's a lot of work. when i cycled my tank with fish, i tested everyday and had to do waterchanges everyday. sometimes more. the trick to keeping your fish healthy without doing long term damage is to keep ammonia and nitrite below .25. i would also stop using any additives except tap-water conditioner and maybe melafix. anything else is useless and either does nothing or might cause problems. it's work but it's worth it to see your fishies alive and healthy

 

[mark.w.jones]

I agree with what's been said above. How big is your tank and what is the current stock? If you are overstocked, then there is very little if any chance of keeping ammonia and nitrite down at low enough levels to prevent fish damage. I'm surprised you haven't suffered any deaths yet to be honest. You need to be doing daily water changes of around 20% and testing ammonia and nitrite levels on a daily basis as well. Your tank will still be cycling if it's only been set up that long. As soon as you find ammonia or nitrite levels above 0.25 then do another water change. If you've fully stocked already you'll probably end up needing to keep this up for a few weeks or more.

Also, expect some algae problems or bacterial blooms as these are also often associated with your current situation. Have a read through the articles in my sig. and good luck.

Fingers crossed you keep all you fish.