Random Nitrite Spike

[pdclawncare]

Hello,

I have a 55 gallon fresh water tank, with a penguin power 350 filter and a whisper 60 filter. I thought that my tank was done cycling, as my readings were 0 ppm ammonia, 0ppm nitrite, 20 ppm nitrate. This moring i just lost a beautiful bolivian ram, and after doing a 40 percent water change, tested the water. Sill 0 ppm ammonia, but now .25ppm nitrite and between 20 and 30 ppm nitrate. Should I do several small water changes, or pu a api stress zyme, or a similar chemical?

 

[anon02]

I`d go with gravel clean water changes, that way you`re sure of taking the toxins out of the tank

I`d also check the output of the filters and maybe check inside for rotting food or plant matter. Are you sure you`re not over stocked ?

 

[karin]

Do a large water change 80 percent to get that nitrite level down to 0 and retest and water change daily until it is sticking. I agree with checking out your filters too. I recently had a nitrite spike that was caused by a malfunctioning filter.

Good luck and sorry for your fish loss. These are the challenges of fish keeping and water tending.

karin