Nitrites just wont go down. (cycling problem)

[Mighty]

Hey

Having a cycling problem. My ammonia spiked and went down within 5-6 days but my nitrites have been spiking for over two weeks and wont go down. I think i may have added too much ammonia to begin with,

Would a small water change help bring down the nitrites and help it cycle?

Also when could i start adding plants. Should i wait until the cycle ends or it ok now?

Tank specs: has a 72 litre capacity and is 67x32x47h cm. It comes equipped with the Biolife 35 filter, Tronic 100w heater and dual fluorescent lighting.

Cheers for the help

Mighty

[f1oored]

Nitrites take a little longer than ammonia and two weeks isn't overly long. Just keep adding ammonia and keep checking your nitrites before you add. They will drop off almost as quickly as they spike. The hardest part of the cycle is being patient. I wouldn't do the water change. High nitrites will help it cycle faster.

I'm going to leave your plant question up to some of the plant people. I'm sure jeff and others will be around shortly to answer you.

[jweintraub]

I had my plants in from day 1 of cycling my 42G, they definately sped up the process. I'd put them in now and just keep on checking the water parameters and remember, patience is a virtue!

[jeffs99dime]

hello there. i would wait until the cycle is complete before adding plants to your tank. what wattages are your florescents? are you going to be using fertilizers or co2 or both? what kind of plants? also, floored is right on the money!!!

[Mighty]

Thanks for getting back to me so fast.

At the mo i have two lights in the tanks one aquaglos 15w and one sunglo 15w.

I was looking at a low level light tank with no co2 (i may add later with more funds) and use flourish excel for ferts.

Plants i've thought of are:

dwarf hairgrass- i like the carpet effect
anubias nana- on bog wood
java fern
anubias barteri
some crypts- maybe
waterspite
wisteria

It all depends what i get from the lfs around here. I'll be checking a new one out tomorrow. My birthday 30!

Stocking i'm thinking:

danio's (school of 6)
oto's 2 or 3
and maybe a zebra loach as a 'feature fish' or is the tank too small
or maybe a zebrz plec

tbh honest i'm open to all ideas tetra's, barbs, swordtails. Throw some at me!:help:

The more ideas the merrier!thumbs2:

Mighty