how long for nitrite stage of cycle

[missgingersnap]

It's been over a week now that I've had the nitrites. They're slowly coming down. They are usually around .50 in then morning. I'm down to 25% water change now and that brings it down to .25 until morning again. Then it's back up to .50 Do I have much longer to go? I'm getting a 48 gallon tank and want to use some gravel and decorations from this one to speed along the cycle of the new one. Thanks in advance!

 

[jonnythan]

Just be patient. You have at least a few more days.

 

[missgingersnap]

I hate being patient!

 

[jsoong]

Depends on the temperature .... It took me 8 weeks to go through the nitrite phase at mid 70F. It will be faster at higher temp, but you still need patience!

 

[missgingersnap]

Holy crap! 8 weeks? I have my temp at 80 so hopefully mine will be faster.

 

[missileman]

If you can find some seed material, used filter media, squeezings from a filter sponge ect... you can drastically speed it up to less than a week.
Even if you seeded the tank at the start it is good to reseed at the nitrite phase as most of the bacteria for nitrite would have died off from lack of food.

 

[missgingersnap]

I'm going to try to get something from my neighbours brother. I don't know anyone who has tanks unfortunately.

 

[jonnythan]

You're right on the cusp of it. I wouldn't even bother getting material from another tank.