Unexplained Nitrite Spike

[Danh]

Hello All,

This morning i went and started my normal weekly tests, nia, NitrItes, Ph .

Ammonia 0
NitrItes 1
Ph 7.6

however last weeks test results were

Ammonia 0
NitrItes 0
PH 7.6

So first thing a do was a partial water change (10%) hoping that would dilute it then the filter could bring it down quicker.
All that has been added to the tank in the last weekis : 5 large plants and 2 panda corys.
Tank size is 7 gals, stocking

1X Dalmation molly
1x Black molly
2x male guppys
3x female guppys
3x cory pandas

Yes i know thats way over stocked but the tanks over filtered anyway and has a 40% water change every 2 weeks, only reason i could find for this is when i planeted the plants i stirred up a load of crap. (presumably causing a mini cycle?) so has anyone got any ideas on where i go from here and what to do to stop it happening again.

Thanks Dan

Sorry my spelling sucks.

 

[ox5477]

I would do 50% water changes twice a week with something that size and overstocked like that, no matter how much filtration. And, come to think about it, I would pony up and buy a 20G atleast. This will solve your over-stocking problem, and allow you more forgiveness with water quality. For not taking up much more room and at most $40 to $50, its well worth it......

The nitrite was spiked because you added the new cories that added to the bio-load. Normally I would say thats ridiculous that two cories could cause a spike, but in a 7G.... def would cause a boost on the bio-load..... def get a bigger tank, for the fish's sake....

EDIT: Just thought of this.... are you checking for nitrates? This is gotta be ridiculously high in a over-stocked 7G tank that only has a water change every two weeks. Though not as harmful as ammonia and nitrite, this can still become a huge prob if rises above 40 to 50 ppm and stays there for an extended period....

 

[Danh]

Nah dont test for nitrates mainly because i dont have access to a kit. Looks to me as if my possible A level technology project just turned into makin a new tank and stand. If i were to do a 40% water change every week would this help to keep the fish healthy untill i can afford to buy a 20g tank?

 

[ox5477]

Nah dont test for nitrates mainly because i dont have access to a kit. Looks to me as if my possible A level technology project just turned into makin a new tank and stand. If i were to do a 40% water change every week would this help to keep the fish healthy untill i can afford to buy a 20g tank?

Yes, definatly, the more the better..... you don't really need a stand per-say with a 20G. If you have half of a dresser top or a nightstand even available, it can easily rest on that. Just make sure that all edges of the tank are supported as if they arn't, this will put shear stress on the walls of the tank and glass does not like shear stress..... it will crack very easily under those conditions.

 

[Danh]

Ok Ox your very helpful and it has all been absorbed. Now looking at a new tank god this is addictive. I only wish i never brought me tank from pets at home but it was reduced at the time.

 

[ox5477]

No prob buddy. Thats why this forum is here.

I agree that fish keeping is very addictive, just don't go crazy on impulse buying as I'm sure you've seen on alot of begginer topics on TFF. Thats where most of the people get into trouble. Research, research and then reasearch some more before diving into anything as you may just end up with disappointment on your part and a tank full of dead fish

 

[Danh]

No prob buddy. Thats why this forum is here.

I agree that fish keeping is very addictive, just don't go crazy on impulse buying as I'm sure you've seen on alot of begginer topics on TFF. Thats where most of the people get into trouble. Research, research and then reasearch some more before diving into anything as you may just end up with disappointment on your part and a tank full of fish

Unfortunatly ive been there and done that. Any suggestions on a new tank anyone? Can accomodate at 20gal uk tank.

Thanks dan.

 

[ox5477]

Dont feel bad.... I did it too. I think we all have. No matter how much people try to educate, you will still get excited and see something we think we need and just don't listen to reason . We are humans, emotion takes us over like that