Another Cycle

[Starka]

Well, I changed my gravel to sand this last weekend in my 26 gal. I also changed my filter, to a 50gal filter. I left a few rocks and put my old filter things into the new filter and now I am cycling again. :-(
I noticed that one of my platies were a bit off this morning and tested the water. I didn't look at the ppms I look at the color. No ammonia, about 10 nitrates, and now I have nitrites! I can't believe it turned a light purple. :-(
I wasn't able to change the water this morning due to being late for work. Will they make it 5hours so I can pwc at lunch? How much should I change?
Thanks all!

 

[jcolon]

Sounds like a bit of a mini-cycle. I'd say do 50% PWC as soon as you get the chance ... then retest and go from there. Let the bacteria re-establish and your nitrites should disappear.

 

[Starka]

Just did a pwc 50%, everyone is accounted for.
Test results
Ammonia 0
Nitrite- 0-.25 still kinda like a dark blue but not quite purple
Nitrate 10-20 on the color card they look like the same color.
Should I do another pwc in another 5 hours (when I get home)? I think I need to do one pwc everyday till its 0 right?
Thanks

 

[librarygirl]

Just did a pwc 50%, everyone is accounted for.
Test results
Ammonia 0
Nitrite- 0-.25 still kinda like a dark blue but not quite purple
Nitrate 10-20 on the color card they look like the same color.
Should I do another pwc in another 5 hours (when I get home)? I think I need to do one pwc everyday till its 0 right?
Thanks

I would to be on the safe side; at any rate I wouldn't let it get above .25.

 

[jetajockey]

I would wait 24 hours in between water changes unless you have some excessively large toxin #'s. Condition the water with a detoxifier like Prime or Amquel+. Any more frequency than that is not really necessary.

Another option if it's only a slight nitrite issue is to add a small amount of uniodized salt to the tank, it'll keep the fish safe from nitrite toxicity so the nitrite spike is less of an issue.

 

[Starka]

I would wait 24 hours in between water changes unless you have some excessively large toxin #'s. Condition the water with a detoxifier like Prime or Amquel+. Any more frequency than that is not really necessary.

Another option if it's only a slight nitrite issue is to add a small amount of uniodized salt to the tank, it'll keep the fish safe from nitrite toxicity so the nitrite spike is less of an issue.

Ya I use prime(every time I read that I think of Optimus Prime ) I'll keep an eye on the levels and make sure they don't get too high.
Thanks guys