High Nitrites

[GroveportSmitty]

Hello, I just got a great deal on a new aquarium. Unfortunately, I have made some mistakes during the transfer process. First mistake: I didn’t wash the new gravel before putting it in my tank. Second mistake: I used 65% of the water from the old tank thinking that would be helpful, wrong! I also used the old filter cartridge from the old tank but it was teetering on needing changed and I don’t know if this was beneficial or not. Long story short, my tank is slightly cloudy and somewhat yellow likely due to the driftwood from the old tank. I tested it yesterday, 2 days after set up and I have high nitrite levels. I added bio balls but I don’t know how long that will take. I also added 1 tablespoon of salt. The water hasn’t changed from yesterday. Should I do a water change?

[charliebankston]

Yes. Maybe daily. And don't clean your filter so it'll jump start your cycle

[charliebankston]

Water changes and/or gravel vacuum will help with the dirty gravel too

[BobbieD]

I was just reading reviews for the eco stone bio rock that can be placed in tank near water flow and most everyone swears by it. I dont have cloudy water, but they say theirs cleared up in days. I am getting as just another source of beneficial bacteria growth as it is made with lava rock and porous. Maybe try it, hope it helps!

[rlederer]

Salt is not helpful or necessary except in a treatment tank.