Nitrite/Nitrate Issues

[n0v]

Hi all,

Newbie here (semi-new to aquariums.) I am having a proper time keeping my nitrites/nitrates down in my tank, specifically nitrite. This is a planted tank that I set up about two months ago. I didn't add residents until about a week ago- two mystery snails. Water tests were doing fine until a few days in and since then I have been doing water changes every day (30 - 40%) and continuing to add Prime + Quick Start (as directed for water changes.) I have been using UNS All-In-1 plant fertilizer daily and have added an Aqueon Pure ball to see if that helps. There is also a piece of cuttlefish bone in there for the boys. I also changed the filter cartridge today thinking that the old one was looking pretty scuzzy + it's been in there since day 1. I don't want to hurt my snails but I legit can't figure out where I'm going wrong. pH and ammonia seem to be at normal levels. Any help is much appreciated.

Specs:
- 2 months, cycled for 5.5 weeks
- 9g
- aqueon quiet flow filter (m)
- using Prime + Stability (occasionally) + Quick Start
- stock is two mystery snails
- planted & using fertilizer
- feeding shrimp tabs while waiting for algae tabs to arrive
- water changes include gravel vac

Let me know if I'm missing something!

[SteffeyJ]

I honestly had nitrite issues until I stopped dosing fertilizer.... maybe try stopping, or atleast cutting back your dosage by alot... and see if that helps?
Honestly, it worked for me. And I only add frets once a week now and everything is still fine and growing!
Best of luck to you!!

[n0v]

Originally Posted by SteffeyJ

I honestly had nitrite issues until I stopped dosing fertilizer.... maybe try stopping, or atleast cutting back your dosage by alot... and see if that helps?
Honestly, it worked for me. And I only add frets once a week now and everything is still fine and growing!
Best of luck to you!!

Thank you! I will give that a try

[Magaratz]

I agree with cutting out fertilizer completely. You said ammonia was normal. Is that a 0, or is there some ammonia? If cutting the fertilizer doesn’t help, I’d return one of the mystery snails. They are pooping machines and could be the problem in a 9 gallon tank at this point.

[n0v]

Originally Posted by Magaratz

I agree with cutting out fertilizer completely. You said ammonia was normal. Is that a 0, or is there some ammonia? If cutting the fertilizer doesn’t help, I’d return one of the mystery snails. They are pooping machines and could be the problem in a 9 gallon tank at this point.

It stays at 0 with a pH of 7. I do have a 6g that I just started to do some plant work; waiting on the filter to be delivered today. I don't know if a 6g is too small for one of them to hang out in while the 9g stabilizes?