nitrite spike

[duffer55]

4 days ago nitrites were off the charts,so i cut the ammonia amount i had been adding in half. the nitrites are still off the charts, what am i doing wrong? or should i just be more patient. thanks

[Willyleigh]

My friend had this problem and I advised him to make sure his tank was well aerated as the bacteria need oxygen to turn nitrite into nitrates.

[Lady Hobbs]

Your nitrites are supposed to do that!

You use the ammonia daily to keep a steadY 5. on your test kit. When you start to have nitrites, you continuing adding ammonia daily but cut back to 3. Keep right on adding until you see 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites. At this time, you will have high nitrates. Large water change and add your fish!

It takes the bacteria longer to produce that eats the ammonia than it does for the nitrites so add that ammonia and wait it out. IT WON'T BE LONG NOW.

Aerating a tank will not turn nitrites to nitrates but will speed things along as well as raising the heat in the tank. Bacteria needs oxygen to produce more quickly.