Nitrite Crisis

[valdega]

I bought a master test kit a couple weeks ago and found that my aquarium was dangerously toxic with nitrites, 5ppm. I've been using stress zyme and amquel to try and lower these levels, and i've also been feeding less frequently. the Amquel was showing promising results, every use would remove 2 ppm of nitrites and ammonia. the ammonia will stay at a low level, but every 24 hours my nitrites just seem to magically reappear. I used the amquel until the nitrites stayed at a pretty low level, then discontinued use for a couple days. I tested my nitrites again today to find them right back up at 5 ppm, and one of my fishes is dieing. I'm on the verge of throwing the whole thing out now, im so frustrated. why am i having such a hard time with my water? i've been to three pet stores and tried several suggestions, but my water seems to have a magical nitrite factory. does anyone know whats going on?

[Drumachine09]

The ammonia from your fish is being turned into nitrite.


What are your nitrate levels?



Also, do a large waterchange.

[valdega]

just did a 40% water change. my nitrates are at 10 mg/l (ppm)

[markbob]

Did you cycle the tank before you put the fish in? If not, the tank is probably trying to cycle. Any fish you may have in there currently may have a rough time making it through the cycle but once the cycle is done you should be all set. What do you have in there now and how long has the tank been up and running. How big is the tank? Calm down and we'll try to get you through this. If you haven't already read it, there is a great online free book in the beginners section as well as an article on doing a fishless cycle (incase your fish don't make it). Let me know the answers to the questions above and do some reading and we'll take it from there.

[valdega]

well it's been up and running for over 2 months. It's a 10 gallon tank and I currently have 4 fancy guppies, a swordtail, small pleco, and 2 dwarf frogs. should i keep using amquel to try and lower the nitrites or will it eventually balance out? (after killing the fish?) i've just had 5 fish die in the last month and its really bumming me out.

[valdega]

does anyone have any suggestions? my top priority right now is the safety of my fish. i really need to get my nitrites down. is there a way i can safely cycle this tank with the current stock in it?

[elmer]

The nitrites will eventually go down once the nitrite-eating bacteria population grows (they turn it into nitrate).
In the meantime, you can use Seachem Prime to detoxify the nitrite. (That's two posts today in favour of Seachem products - just a satisfied customer).
Large daily water changes with temperature-matched dechlorinated water (once again, Seachem Prime also dechlorinates) will keep the levels low, without reducing bacteria population (because bacteria grows in the filter and gravel). Once the nitrites start decreasing on their own you can reduce the frequency and/or size of the water changes.

[Lady Hobbs]

Rather than continuing adding products to your tank, you'd be better off just sticking with water changing to keep the levels lowered.

[zeon]

Other products I have had success with *seachem* also. Stability and Matrix You put it in your HOB or Canister what ever filter you have and it helps with bacteria.

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