New 29 Gallon!

[sweeneyc]

I've got nitrites, finally. Thanks so much for the advice to take my lights off. After doing that, I dosed my tank (because there was not any ammonia) and within a day that tank's water cleared up and today, the nitrites are increasing.

So I have my Ammonia at about 2.0 right now and the nitrites are sitting pretty at about .25. I have to go to work for the next 6 hours, will the ammonia completely convert before then? and if so, should I dose a little bit of ammonia?

[fishmommie]

I've got nitrites, finally. Thanks so much for the advice to take my lights off. After doing that, I dosed my tank (because there was not any ammonia) and within a day that tank's water cleared up and today, the nitrites are increasing.

So I have my Ammonia at about 2.0 right now and the nitrites are sitting pretty at about .25. I have to go to work for the next 6 hours, will the ammonia completely convert before then? and if so, should I dose a little bit of ammonia?

Now that you have nitrites, you don't want to dose your ammonia again until it drops to zero. Resist the urge to check the ammonia readings more than once a day. Check it again tomorrow at the same time and if the ammonia has dropped to 0 then redose

[Stlouisfish]

+1 - the ammonia might not convert in 6 hrs & agree that you don't put any ammonia in until it reads 0. You should see your nitrites go up until it's off the chart and the ammonia will start reaching 0 faster and faster.

[sweeneyc]

So I half dosed my tank with ammonia (about 5ml) last night at about 10pm and this morning, at about 9am, I tested my water and all the ammonia had converted to nitrites. I have nitrates as well. I don't want my nitrifying bacteria to die, but is it okay for them to go so long without ammonia?

[fishmommie]

So I half dosed my tank with ammonia (about 5ml) last night at about 10pm and this morning, at about 9am, I tested my water and all the ammonia had converted to nitrites. I have nitrates as well. I don't want my nitrifying bacteria to die, but is it okay for them to go so long without ammonia?

I can only repeat. Check your perims only 1 time every 24 hours and do nothing until the 24 hours is up. At the end of 24 hours, if your ammonia is 0 then 1/2 dose again.
Only one way to say this so I'll say it again: resist the urge to check for at least 24 hours. It's a process. And it requires patience
You're on track! You only started this on 12-2 if I remember right. You're barely 2 weeks in. you have at least another week, maybe more to go.
What's happening with your nitrites, btw? are they dropping yet or staying the same? Don't answer that until AFTER you've checked tonight at 10:00 pm LOL

[sweeneyc]

Well my nitrates are rising.... But I think my nitrites are sitting at 5.

[fishmommie]

things are moving along as they should be. :o)

[sweeneyc]

Question....I have not dosed with ammonia in two days and my nitrites seem like they are going down, but I'm not very sure these API liquid tests are still pretty hard to read. I need titration tests like my Saliferts and Red Seas for my reef tank. now those are exact numbers!

I went and got some christmas moss and attached it to my piece of driftwood. The LFS had some and it was dying in his tanks so I figured I'd bring it home to try and save it so I have my tank running with a single 54w t5 bulb to give it some light. Hopefully this doesn't cause another algae spawn.

My nitrates are definitely increasing and getting pretty high.

anyone have any thoughts on the progress?

[fishmommie]

what are your exact readings?

[sweeneyc]

nitrites at 4ppm and nitrates at 10ppm and rising. Zero Ammonia.