High Nitrite Levels

[Thaiboxer]

Had my water tested today at the LFS... it's a new tank, cycling ~2 weeks. The nitrite levels were really high (not sure of #), and the guy said that I'm probably overfeeding the tank. He said cut back on food, do 10% water change with gravel vac, and let it fall. (also recommended some chemical stuff, but I didn't buy it).

Does this sound correct?

It's a 55 gal with 7 danios and 2 bettas (1 m, 1 f)

Pretty much correct, I'd prolly go 20% change with a 55 gallon, and less food.

Glad you didn't buy the chemicals, in the long run most of them cause more problems than they solve. Just my opinion.

Oh yeah, get your own test kit, they are important to have.

[Grant R]

Yep, definitely all about water changes on this one. My guess is that the reason for the high nitrite was the initial common ' Nitrite Spike ' you get, during that stage of cycling.
Do a 20 - 25% water change and things will go as they should be, back to normal.
As CorvusCorax said, you will also need you're own testing tabs kit ( Ammonia, Nitrate, pH etc ) , especially crucial at this early stage.

G

[pondmom]

Thaiboxer~

here's where I fpund the best prices for test kits!!
Any online retailer will "match price" too.
Get it~ they make a world of differencehttp://www.bigalsonline.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi

[pondmom]

http://www.bigalsonline.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi
Item # 2305 $ 9.99 best price I've seen!!!!!
sorry about that

[loganj]

I agree with the above. Water changes are the way to go...at least 20%. And get those test kits...ammonia, nitrite, pH, nitrate.
Logan J

[fishfreek]

Pondwoman, I think you meant to say $29.99 vs $ 9.99 unless you where talking exclusivly about the PH kit.

Also, we have a member selling some kits in the Classifieds section. They are a different brand than the ones at Big Als.

[pondmom]

fishfreek
Item #2305 is the AP Master test kit for $9.99

(from bigals)
* The Freshwater Master Test Kit is a complete kit for testing tap water and aquarium water. * Tests water six different ways to protect tropical fish from dangerous water conditions. * Tests include: freshwater pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, GH (general hardness) and KH (carbonate hardness). Kit features 4 test tubes, a holding tray for testing bottles, and test tube rack.
Price: $9.99
ASWO#2305
STATUS: In Stock
QTY:

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Other Sizes

[fishfreek]

Yes I know, And when I search item # 2305 This is what I get.

A.P. FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT - complete kit for testing tap water and aquarium water

* The Freshwater Master Test Kit is a complete kit for testing tap water and aquarium water. * Tests water six different ways to protect tropical fish from dangerous water conditions. * Tests include: freshwater pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, GH (general hardness) and KH (carbonate hardness). Kit features 4 test tubes, a holding tray for testing bottles, and test tube rack.
Price: $29.99
ASWO#2305
STATUS: In Stock

Thanks to some little web hacking I got the direct link as http://www.bigalsonline.com/cgi-bin/...gi?inASWO=2305

[fishfreek]

Since we are on the subject of Test Kits I thought I would link everyone to the Test Kit's that our members have reviewed.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/displa...type=Test_Kits

There is a review for the AP kit there aswell.