High Nitrite Problem

[iskander4602]

Hi. Purchased a 35 gallon tank set up in feb, with powerhead, filter, sand substrate, and live plants. I cycled the tank using bottled bacteria, and then added about 4 mollies (3 black, 1 dalmation) who have been happily swimming around and having babies for the past month or so.

My tests for the last 2 weeks have all fallen under the current ranges:
PH-7.8-8.2
Ammonia- 0ppm
Nitrite-5ppm
Nitrate-0ppm
Salinity-1.024-1.026
Temp- 82 Degrees

I can't seem to get the Nitrite down. Water seems relatively clear. I have been doing 20% changes every 3rd or 4th day, and a 40% change every sunday. I have also been adding 2 tsps of table salt (although... it does seem somewhat redundant seeing as how this is a saltwater environment) as per other recommendations regarding high nitrite.

Anyone have any suggestions or seen this before? It doesn't seem to be affecting the 4 adults or 19 babies at all, and they are not exhibiting any signs of stress, but this is somewhat holding off my plans to restock the aquarium with a different breed of fish. Thanks in advance.

 

[cmor1701d]

STOP ADDING SALT!

If you have saltwater fish, then only do partial water changes mixed to the same sg as the tank. Mix the salt a day before doing the pwc as salt mix is corrosive.

Take a sample to a friend or an lfs for testing with another kit. Your nitrite kit may be expired or contamninated.

 

[iskander4602]

I already checked the kit. it reads fine with other tanks. the partial changes are nt doing anything significant.