my Nitirtes are on the up

[Masafi]

Appear to be fighting Nitrites

AFter the cycle was completed both ammonia and Nitrites were zero....

performed a water change as the Nitrates were high.....



My Nitrites are back up again as are my Nitrates

Having 25% water changes done daily, read the stick on nitrates/nitrites/ammonia and considering adding salt, increasing O2

Any other suggestions?

Thanks alot

[Lady Hobbs]

Do large water change.
Add aquarium salt.
Reduce feeding.
Increase aeration.
Nitrite is lethal at lower levels than ammonia. Therefore continue daily testing and treatment until the nitrite falls to zero.

The harder your water is, the more toxic nitrites are, as well.

Did you change your filter or do any cleaning? You hit a bit of a set-back so just keep on eye on your test kit.

[Masafi]

I didnt touch the filter but am wondering if i should clean it?

On the salt, I read in the sticky that table salt is used?

I have Co2 on so might also turn this off, dont mind the plants having a hard time, easy to replace......but with Co2 on it obviously affects the o2

50% of the water changed today, 25% in the morning and 25% tonight.

will get 25% water changed tomorrow and see how it is

thanks

[hungryhound]

Don't clean your filter. The last thing that you want to do is remove any beneficial bacteria that is growing on it. In fact don't clean a thing.

I had this same problem a week ago and have yet to locate the source. With plenty of water changes (5 x 50% in 3 days) I was able to correct the problem.

The concentration of CO2 in the water has no bearing on the concentration of O2 in the water so you can leave your CO2 on if you want.

Good luck, and Have fun with the buckets. :ezpi_wink1: Of course if you have a python, then it shouldn't be too bad.

[xoolooxunny]

Don't use table salt. There is more than just NaCl in that product, such as iodine and ferrocyanide.

[Chrona]

Not sure about that ferrocyanide, but it's been proven the iodine levels in table salt are not high enough to do anything. You can use kosher table salt if you have it and are worried about regular salt, but I've never had any issues.

I would just aerate the tank, but leave the CO2 running. The nitrite will get eaten up, so don't do any more water changes.