Am I doing Something Wrong?! - Still High Nitrites

[devine]

Hey everyone, you're all so awesome at answering these questions that I thought Id flag something Im struggling with, I have been cycling my tank now for four weeks, it is a fluval edge, with a heater running at 24-25 centigrade, 5 guppies, 1 Shrimp and 3 live plants. Here are my readings for the past 2:

AUGUST
3RD
Nitrite - 0.25
Nitrate - 5.0
Ammonia - 1.0
Ph - 7.2

4TH
Nitrite 0.25
Nitrate 5.0
Ammonia 0.25-0.50
Ph 7.6

6TH
Nitrite 0.0
Nitrate 5.0
Ammonia 0.0
Ph 7.8

8TH
Nitrite 0.25
Nitrate 5.0
Ammonia 0.25
Ph7.8

9TH
Nitrite 0.25
Nitrate 5.0
Ammonia 0.0
Ph 7.8

10TH
Nitrite 1.0
Nitrate 10ppm
Ammonia 0.25
Ph 7.8

11TH
Nitrite 1.0
Nitrate 5-10 ppm
Ammonia 0 - 0.25
Ph 7.8

12TH
Nitrite 0.50 - 1.0
Nitrate 10ppm
Ammonia 0.0
Ph 7.2

14TH
Nitrite 1.0
Nitrate 10-20ppm
Ammonia 0.0
Ph 7.2

16TH
Nitrite 1.0
Nitrate 10-20ppm
Ammonia 0.0
PH 7.2

Ive had 0 ammonia for a while now, but everytime I am finding 1.0PPM of Nitrite I am doing around a 30% water change, every other or every day. When will these levels drop?! Anything I can do to help the bacteria along?

 

[jetajockey]

All you can do is wait it out. The water changes will help keep the fish safe, I'd also add a small amount of aquarium salt if you aren't already, it will help negate the effects of nitrite toxicity.

Also reduce feeding until the nitrite situation is sorted out. Assuming the nitrates are being produced naturally, then the biofilter is working, just not fast enough yet to keep up with load being put on it.