Is it normal?

[KFav93]

Hi everyone. I just recently added a piece of driftwood, a Java fern and 4 zebra danios, all in that order, a few days apart. I thought all was well. This is the 3rd day the danios are in and the nitrite is higher. Not bad, but I need to be cautious. When I put the fish in I checked my water and there was no nitrite. Is there anything I can do to fix it?

 

[nirbhao]

Having no nitrite is good!

 

[KFav93]

Having no nitrite is good!

I know. But I have nitrite.

 

[KFav93]

Should I add easy balance plus to the tank? Is supposed to reduce nitrates, but not nitrites

 

[nirbhao]

I misunderstood your first post. How long has this tank been set up?

 

[KFav93]

I misunderstood your first post. How long has this tank been set up?

I believe 3 weeks now

 

[nirbhao]

How are your ammonia and nitrate levels? Is it possible that your tank is cycling again?

 

[JoeMan]

Water changes water changes water changes! Once a week 50% is my schedule

 

[KFav93]

Water changes water changes water changes! Once a week 50% is my schedule

I literally just put the fish in 3 days ago. I have to do a water change that quick? I want healthy bacteria to form

 

[KFav93]

How are your ammonia and nitrate levels? Is it possible that your tank is cycling again?

My nitrate is good. My nitrite is a little high.

 

[nirbhao]

Good as in 5 - 20?

 

[KFav93]

It's like 2.0

 

[nirbhao]

You are probably having a mini cycle. I agree with JoeMan about water changes.

Edit: the beneficial bacteria aren't in the water column. They are in your filter and substrate.

 

[KFav93]

You are probably having a mini cycle. I agree with JoeMan about water changes.

Edit: the beneficial bacteria aren't in the water column. They are in your filter and substrate.

Yeah all my levels keep going up and down. The pH is up again and so is the hardness. They were just normal the other day.