r_nichols7
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Hi everyone... I'm new to the forum and the aquarium world. Amazing site and a wealth of knowledge and info. Started 10 gallon aq 2/13 am, added 4 af cichlids and 1 pleco on 2/15 pm (B4 knowledge of "cycling") 2/18 my pleco got velvet and was treated with coppersafe and cleared by 2/21. I have been doing 10-15% pwc weekly along with testing and have had no other problems until now. While away, 3/14 1 cichlid died with what my wife explained had white cotton slime covering @50% of the body. I tested the water with API and Ammonia=0 PH=7.6 HpH=7.4 NitrIte=5.0 and NitrAte=80. What is going on in the tank? Today is day 32. My son and I have been guilty of overfeeding and believe we have that under control but maybe not... I did treat tank with Fritz Zyme on 3/7 due to cloudy water from rotting food pellets. What can I do to get the NitrIAtes where they should be when the ammonia is fine?