7Enigma
Aquarium Advice Addict
I agree. The big problem I'm seeing is a complete disconnect between what is being tested in relation to what we know. Doing a large PWC and not seeing a difference or a very slightly difference in nitrIte just doesn't jive with me. NitrAte is a tricky bugger, because the test is SO DIFFICULT TO EXACTLY REPLICATE. The temperature of the room, the amount the bottle and tubes are shook make a huge difference in final results. These nitrAte results I can understand.
But the nitrIte values baffle me. It's just a simple add a couple drops of each bottle, invert a couple times, and wait a couple minutes. It's brain-dead work. It's extremely reproducible. So I'm stumped on this one.
When I see ammonia go to zero in 24hours and the nitrIte staying the same, I have to believe if the same result is achieved when no ammonia is dosed, the cycle has to be finished (or at least to a satisfactory level for fish addition).
My scientific side wonders if you 2 have a separate strain of bacteria that converts nitrIte to a non-toxic, or otherwise non-nitrIte source that is being measured still as nitrIte. But this just wouldn't make sense because the nitrIte level is staying CONSISTENT. If you were seeing lower nitrIte levels after a PWC, but then the nitrIte's never went down, then I could see some possibility of this.
As it stands, I would do a substrate level PWC, add in your Biospira and add in 1/2 your stocking of fish. Then keep an eye on your ammonia and nitrIte levels. If your ammonia goes above 0.5ppm (it shouldn't), do a PWC, and if your nitrIte goes above 1.5ppm (it also shouldn't but who the @#$# knows!) do a PWC. Monitor the tank for signs of oxygen deficiency (might be a good idea to get an extra air pump or lower the water level for a couple weeks) and if you don't see any gasping at the surface or very fast breathing, you can chalk up the reason to some unknown.
I would really be interested if both of you (OP and neilanh) sent an email to AP telling of your odd stories. You might just find out they already know what's causing the discrepancy. It's certainly worth a shot. And I would request it be added to my FC article so others can be aware this might come up in their own FC.
But the nitrIte values baffle me. It's just a simple add a couple drops of each bottle, invert a couple times, and wait a couple minutes. It's brain-dead work. It's extremely reproducible. So I'm stumped on this one.
When I see ammonia go to zero in 24hours and the nitrIte staying the same, I have to believe if the same result is achieved when no ammonia is dosed, the cycle has to be finished (or at least to a satisfactory level for fish addition).
My scientific side wonders if you 2 have a separate strain of bacteria that converts nitrIte to a non-toxic, or otherwise non-nitrIte source that is being measured still as nitrIte. But this just wouldn't make sense because the nitrIte level is staying CONSISTENT. If you were seeing lower nitrIte levels after a PWC, but then the nitrIte's never went down, then I could see some possibility of this.
As it stands, I would do a substrate level PWC, add in your Biospira and add in 1/2 your stocking of fish. Then keep an eye on your ammonia and nitrIte levels. If your ammonia goes above 0.5ppm (it shouldn't), do a PWC, and if your nitrIte goes above 1.5ppm (it also shouldn't but who the @#$# knows!) do a PWC. Monitor the tank for signs of oxygen deficiency (might be a good idea to get an extra air pump or lower the water level for a couple weeks) and if you don't see any gasping at the surface or very fast breathing, you can chalk up the reason to some unknown.
I would really be interested if both of you (OP and neilanh) sent an email to AP telling of your odd stories. You might just find out they already know what's causing the discrepancy. It's certainly worth a shot. And I would request it be added to my FC article so others can be aware this might come up in their own FC.
