So what can I do if I've already QT'ed my fish but my QT tank is cycling? (high nitites) Can I do a 50% water change everday? Would that keep the ammonia and nitrites low enough that they'll survive? Sorry for the questions, but I need answers!
another QT problem.....nitrites!
- Thread starter Dr.Nate
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quarryshark
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Its pretty normal, severity depends on the bioload.
The tank need to set up a biological cycle so unless the ammonia or nitrite spikes way up, I would just stick with a 20-25% daily water change siphoning up all uneaten foods. If it gets real bad, you can do this twice a day.
Done this quite a few times myself, as long as you do the above it should level out within a week if the tank isn't too overstocked.
What are the reading?
The tank need to set up a biological cycle so unless the ammonia or nitrite spikes way up, I would just stick with a 20-25% daily water change siphoning up all uneaten foods. If it gets real bad, you can do this twice a day.
Done this quite a few times myself, as long as you do the above it should level out within a week if the tank isn't too overstocked.
What are the reading?
Nitrite reading is 12.5.....don't have a good ammonia test kit, will get one tomorrow. The bioload is massive, three fish in a 10 gallon, but it was an emergency ick situation. This QT tank is brand new, only on day two. At this rate, it will never cycle I know. But will 25% water changes daily be enough to keep the levels down?
quarryshark
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Maybe not.
Another thought...you could always increase the water volume. You could get a large tupperware or garbage can and use it as a makeshift sump. I did this with my 40 gallon qt tank before (see below).
Just need an overflow and a return pump, or get a larger tank 20-30 gallon.
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I am using copper....got a copper test kit, too. My nitrites kept rising and they were looking stressed so I decided to add them back to the main tank unitl my QT tank cycles.....could be awhile, I know. The problem I have now is that with all the LR I added, it's gonna be impossible to catch my bicolor pseudochromis for quarantine next time. That sucker's fast!
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