Wierd Nitrites

[onlinebug]

Ok, so i've been testing the nitrites for about 2 weeks now and they have remained at 5ppm all the time. And I normally leave the solution in the test tube for about an hour or longer because i'm lazy. Before now the nitrite solution has remained dark. I noticed yesterday when I went to pour the solution away, it was showing that there was nothing in the tank. So I tested again waited 5 mins and it was still dark showing 5ppm. Left it again for about an hour and the same thing happended.

I'm using a 75 litre tank
Api master test kit 1 month old
No fish
Cycling for about 3 weeks now

 

[dzsigmond217]

I think the test is only accurate at the allotted time given to check..
maybe thats the reason..?

or maybe you have gremlins that are messing with your head, cheeky devils!

 

[chicklette]

Well just test it with the recommended time. That is the only time it is the most accurate. The nitrites should be dropping soon and you should start to get a nitrate reading if not already.

 

[rdd1952]

After a period of time the solution will change. It will be like that with all of the kits. The results are really only accurate and readable in the first 2 to 10 minutes after you do it. In the case of nitrite too, when the level is off the chart high, as in the case with a fishless cycle, the solution will almost always turn either green or white after it sits for a while. When it's that high, he drops usually turn purple as soon as they hit the water. When that is happening, I never even bother to cap and shake the tube. I already have my reading.

 

[onlinebug]

OK, so they are still off the scale high!

Any ideas on when my blimming fish can enter?

 

[rdd1952]

Since you have been about 2 weeks with nitrite and 3 weeks overall, I would say you are getting close. Are your nitrates rising? If so, that is a good sign. You may want to do a large water change just to get the nitrite back to a readable level and then see how it progresses.