Still trouble....

[juliethegr8t]

Ok, I know I've posted before, but I'd like some more help if possible. I'm still cycling my 10 gallon tank, and the nitrites just won't seem to go down. My fish don't seem to be suffering - Zebra Danios, and a Tiger Barb - but I worry that they will if this keeps up. The ammonia levels are staying either at 0 or slighty above, and the pH is 7.4. However, my nitrites are at either the highest on the card, or the next highest (hard to tell, it's so close). I've added Cycle, and tried water changes. I know I should add some gravel but I really don't have a change to go to a LFS and get some - I don't live close to any and other reasons. Anyway, is there anything else I can do? I did call my nearest fish store that is supposed to deal bio spira but they don't have any. Is there anything I can do, or should I wait it out? How often and how much should I be doing water changes? I worry about doing too many and disrupting my cycle, and yet want to lower the levels. Thanks for any help, I'm just thankful my fish seem to being doing ok through all of this - good thing I got some hardy ones!

 

[wetwetwet]

Hi julie,

I think you've been cycling for a while now (how long?) - so should see the nitrite fall off very soon

Water changes will prolong the cycle but only slightly

Try cutting back a little on how much they're fed.

The only other possability is that you may have a dodgy or out of date test lit

 

[juliethegr8t]

Yes, I've been cycling for hmm.... maybe almost a month? I'm not sure exactly, but gosh I'm certain ready to be done! I had considered cutting back on their food, so I will take your advice and today start feeding them a little less. Since the fish seem to being doing ok, and the nitrites seem to be staying at this level (even though its high), they're not getting any higher, so that's good. I'll just keep hoping my tank hurries up and finishes I guess!

 

[skiltrip]

Julie,

I had the same problem. My tank has been running a little over a month. The nitrites peaked for a while, and didn't seem to drop any, even with water changes. What i did was get some Stress Zyme. I put the stress zyme in. (some directly in my filter chamber and some into the tank water). I checked my levels one week after I had put it in, and both ammonia and nitrites were at zero.

Try Stress Zyme. It worked awesome for me. The other thing, repeated time and time again is feed lightly. It's super important. I have been feeding them only once a day, and not that much. About enough food that it's all gone in 2 minutes or less.
Once the tank is cycled for a while, and it know it's stable, i'll feed them a bit more.

- Kip

 

[Dragonslair]

Stress Zyme is the cheaper alternative to what I'm about to advise you to do. Stress Zyme is basically bacteria inert in a bottle and it needs certain water conditions to activate the bacteria. Once activated, you then need to let the bacteria multiply. This all takes time. An instant solution maybe is to buy a tub of Nitra-Zorb from your lfs. It is resin based crystals that sweeps up purely nitrates/nitrites. It should be used no longer than 3 months as once it is full, it will dump the toxins back into the tank. This should take care of your problem short term. You will however need to keep an eye on future nitrites levels. Hope this of some help to you.

 

[PJGuppies]

I am having the same problem with my 5 1/2 gal baby guppy tank, the Nitrites are WAY high...I have been doing daily water changes and half gravel cleaning once a week...I have never heard of the Stress Zyme, so I may try this..But my question is....Is it safe for small fry? I have 22 of them different ages, from 1 month to 1 week..Please let me know soon for I will go get it tommorrow if it is safe.

 

[skiltrip]

I just double checked the bottle of stress zyme, and there are no warnings for fry. Safe for ALL freshwater and saltwater fish.

All Stress Zyme is is dormant bacteria, that come alive when they are in the water, and they break down ammonia and nitrites. It's not a rough chemical treatment or anything. In fact, one common use is weekly treatment to help maintain your helpful bacteria.

 

[Josie]

Stress Zyme is the cheaper alternative to what I'm about to advise you to do. Stress Zyme is basically bacteria inert in a bottle and it needs certain water conditions to activate the bacteria. Once activated, you then need to let the bacteria multiply. This all takes time. An instant solution maybe is to buy a tub of Nitra-Zorb from your lfs. It is resin based crystals that sweeps up purely nitrates/nitrites. It should be used no longer than 3 months as once it is full, it will dump the toxins back into the tank. This should take care of your problem short term. You will however need to keep an eye on future nitrites levels. Hope this of some help to you.

Hi,im from Hartlepool.I have had some of my fish for 8 year got into keeping fish due to my son neglecting them im hooked.I had to get a bigger tank due to fish growing however I have got tank too near window.I would be grateful for any advice on moving tank approx 4 foot.Do you know if there is anything I can hire
to move tank so I do not have to disturb my fish.The tank is a rio 400 with stand.Bet you think im thick,
Josie