High nitrite

[Ld123]

What sort if things can cause high nitrite in a tank?

 

[jondamon]

Replacing too much filter media at any one time.

Removing too much gravel.

If you have Nitrite readings it means you are in effect having a mini cycle.

Something major has changed to cause a Nitrite reading.

Un-cycled tanks have Nitrite.



Jon

 

[Ld123]

I think it could be changing the media. What can I do to lower this? Would changing too much water at one time cause this? It is strange though as I still have slight nitrate reading?

 

[jondamon]

Nitrate's should be 5-20ppm

Nitrites should be 0ppm

Ammonia should be 0-0.25ppm

A 100% water change should not give you any nitrites.

Virtually all your nitrifying bacteria are contained within your filter, substrate and aquarium glass.



Have you changed any parts of your filter?





Jon

 

[Ld123]

Yes I changed one sponge. But left the bio beads and carbon

 

[jondamon]

Yes I changed one sponge. But left the bio beads and carbon

How come you changed a sponge?

Was it falling apart?

You've basically thrown away a good portion of you bacteria.

The only thing you can really do now is keep an eye on your levels and do 50% PWC's daily until Nitrite comes out at 0ppm.

It will probably take around a week to seed the new sponge.



Jon

 

[Ld123]

Yes it had it! Nitrate is only slightly high. I am doing a water change now.

 

[jondamon]

Yes it had it! Nitrate is only slightly high. I am doing a water change now.

I try to maintain around 10ppm of NITRATE in my 50g tank due to it being planted.

NITRATES are ok up to 40ppm depending upon your fish choices.

NITRITES are pretty bad. Anything over 0.25ppm you should perform a 50% PWC.

How is your ammonia reading?
Again with ammonia anything above 0.25ppm then do a 50% PWC.


I take it your using an API MASTER TESTING KIT?


Or another quality liquid test?


Jon

 

[Ld123]

Nitrate is reading 5ppm, ammonia not quite 0.25 and nitrite 0.25.

Yes I am using API.

Would it be worth me adding a little API quick start after this 50% wc?

 

[jondamon]

Nitrate is reading 5ppm, ammonia not quite 0.25 and nitrite 0.25.

Yes I am using API.

Would it be worth me adding a little API quick start after this 50% wc?

Just keep levels below

AMM 0.25
NITRITE 0.25
NITRATE 20

No need for boosters etc.



Jon

 

[Ld123]

Just keep levels below

AMM 0.25
NITRITE 0.25
NITRATE 20

No need for boosters etc.

Jon

Ok. So water changes and time will bring nitrite down?

 

[jondamon]

Water changes will keep nitrite low until your beneficial bacteria increase in numbers to convert it all into nitrates.

By getting rid of your sponge you have depleted the BB colony. Now they have to increase in numbers again.

You could increase aeration to help the BB.

More air stones etc.



Jon

 

[LyndaB]

Would it be worth me adding a little API quick start after this 50% wc?

No, don't get hooked on those crutches. They're not worth it and sometimes create more harm than good.

If your numbers are off, do a water change. That's all you need.

 

[Ld123]

I have done a change. Hopefully that will improve readings

 

[Ld123]

Fish all seem fine

 

[Newfiereefer]

How much live rock are you using ? If you have plenty of live rock changing ur filter media should not impact it that much. I've watched my trates go up to 40 and my mushroom and zoo's do fine and they are trate sensitive from everything I've read. Also what kinda filter are you using ? I have a 206 fluval canister , and I only change half at a time to avoid shocking the system to much. Also it will help to do a water change when You change your filters and rinse them in the old water u just taken out , this will help seed them with BB

 

[Ld123]

I don't have any live rock.

 

[librarygirl]

How much live rock are you using ? If you have plenty of live rock changing ur filter media should not impact it that much. I've watched my trates go up to 40 and my mushroom and zoo's do fine and they are trate sensitive from everything I've read. Also what kinda filter are you using ? I have a 206 fluval canister , and I only change half at a time to avoid shocking the system to much. Also it will help to do a water change when You change your filters and rinse them in the old water u just taken out , this will help seed them with BB

This is the freshwater forum, not saltwater. No live rock here.