Weekly problem with Nitrite

[jbozz]

For a nano tank,

Is there any way we can do to counter the nitrite problem beside having 20% water change on weekly basis? I've experienced 0.6 and 0.4 to date but after water change get back to 0. Fortunately no casualty during water change.

I was thinking of installing Eheim, Hydor or Tetra canister? any of these canister will help maintain for at least 1 month without water change?

Or will adding RO water will reduce the impact? How about adding WEISS bacter boast, will it help?

[melosu58]

Did you cycle the tank? That`s really strange. You really need to find out what is the source of these nitrites. They could be anything from overfeeding to something dieing in the tank. BTW PWC`s have several different benefits. They dilute excessive nutrients, add trace elements back to your water that have been used up through different fish and inverts processes and help restore salinty to your water. I would try to keep up with PWC`s instead of trying to get out of them esp. in a nano tank.

[CaptainAhab]

Jbozz, I read with great interest all your posts. In one you have pristine water conditions, in another you have a nitrite issue, in another you let everyone know that you're housing tangs and about 10 fish or so in a 15g nano. Now you want to go a month without changing the water in a nano? I suspect your going to do it anyway regardless and that you'll add that anenome as well. Based on this post I would venture that you didn't even cycle the tank. I believe you also said that you don't have any test kits so even if you did cycle (or you think you did) odds are it never finished. To the best of my knowledge you have a HOB that you started in early May, way over stocked, no skimmer, sump and what looks like 5 lbs of LR.

BTW there is no way to take .6 nitrite reading and do a 20% PWC and get to 0. Simply impossible PERIOD.

Your obviously getting great advice from your 'expert' somewhere else. Why go through this here? Every piece of advice, bar none, that you have gotten you have either contradicted, argued with or dismissed.

So, what's the end game here? Just argumentative, enjoy the banter, proving a point or truly looking for others advice and opinions?

If it's opinion then:

Lose the tang and half of the other fish
Forget the anenome
Raise your SG or be happy with a few fish
Do your water changes
Hope your cycle finishes before it finishes your fish
Get a test kit
Read Read Read Read Read Read Read

Enjoy your day

[Kurt_Nelson]

Phew... and here I thought it was just me.

How about adding WEISS bacter boast, will it help?

No. But returning all but 2 of those fish back to the fish store will.

[jbozz]

Well, i can sustain and maintain the water at pristine level, thru weekly water changes. But the question and challenge here is, how to delayed water change for nano tank for 1 month?

I've bought lots of test kit, to test the water forthnightly.



I'm thinking to improve the biological substances, or get a canister either Eihem, Hydor, or Tetra which 1 is best to do the job?

[fishcrack]

As a fellow Nano-er, there is no avoiding water changes if you want a healthy tank and "pristine" water conditions. Read some of the articles posted and it will help you understand the importance of those water changes in a small tank. Chemicals and filters can't replace basic maintenance. Why are you concerned about the water changes? Do you have access to good quality RO/DI water?

[tamra&steven]

nano tank or not you need water changes..... no point to add a filter to replace maintance. anyways eheim filter are good. i used to have one the come with pretty cool quick disconect fittings.

[tamra&steven]

also the api test kit you have isnt very good, i used to use those i found a better kit more accurate.

[CaptainAhab]

IMO , for the basic tests API are quite serviceable. Though I (and many others) have said this before test kits and throwing good money after bad aren't the issue. The primary issue is, and remains, 3 things.

You
You
and your reflection

It's just a shame that so many others are getting caught up in these tangents of your multiple threads. though I guess that is the beauty of the internet forum.

If it wasn't for the harm you are doing to your livestock or to others who may actually think you're doing even ONE thing right I'd think this was some fish candid camera thing.

Sadly it isn't

[fishcrack]

As a relative newbie, I'm sure I asked a lot of stupid questions and made my share of mistakes. Although I tried to read and learn before setting up my tank, the fact is not everyone who comes to the forum does that, for whatever reason. As I understand it, the purpose of this site, is educational. Whether someone chooses to listen or not, is up to them.

Obviously, jbozz, you've figured out that some big mistakes have been made in setting up your first tank. I assume you've gotten some bad advice somewhere. However, these folks do know what they are talking about and have the best of intentions. So, read, listen and learn and you will discover what a wonderful and rewarding hobby saltwater fish can be! Good luck!