Nitrite boom high, ammonia zero! What's happening?

raymondevil

raymondevil

Still Learning...
Apr 3, 2005
53
0
0
45
Malaysia
As described on the title, i tested the water earlier and the result as follow:

pH: 7.6
gH: 2.24
kH: 2.8
Nitrite: 1.6 mg /L
Ammonia: 0
I do not have Nitrate test kit with me, probably will get it this coming weekend.

Is this normal and dangerous to my fish? One thing for sure is that my fish aint that active compared to last time.

If this is really dangerous state, please advise how can I reduce the Nitrite level as much as possible? By the way, I just changed 50% water yesterday and today Nitrite still as high as yesterday... I'm completely clueless now...
 
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Nitrite is very toxic to your fish. Continue to perform frequent water changes, and add ~ 1 tsp of salt per 3-5 gallons of tank water--the NaCl will protect the fish from the toxicity of the nitrites.
 
Okay.. Thanks!!! Really panic at this moment... it's showing that my fish is under stress now... is it okay to use sea salt? Oh yeah, with such panic moment, i searched somewhere and stated this which someone kindda relieve me alot... Btw, I'm on 18th day of cycling. The only way to overcome Nitrate and Nitrite presence is by changing water?

Day 1: The cycle clock starts as soon as you add fish. Set the cycling process in motion by stocking up to 1/2 of your tank's total stocking limit using the hardiest fish that you intend to keep (do not cycle with a fully loaded tank or with sensitive species). Barbs, Danios and Rasboras are good first choices for cycling a tank.
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 3: Ammonia (extremely toxic to fish) is detectable and rising. Monitor your fish throughout the cycle for signs of stress such as loss of appetite, gasping, "flashing" or darting. Corrective action such as a series of 10% water changes* or a one time dosage of AmQuel** (10 drops per gallon) may be in order.
Ammonia: rising
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 5: Ammonia levels will begin to peak and fall. Nitrites (a dangerous but less harmful compound) are beginning to rise. Some fish may become stressed and fatalities may occur. Corrective action as described on day three should be taken if necessary.
Ammonia: peaking
Nitrite: rising
Nitrate: 0

Day 8: The first phase of the cycle is completed as the bacteria that converts ammonia to nitrite has been established. At this point in time ammonia is being converted to nitrite as quickly as it is being produced.
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: rising higher
Nitrate: 0

Day 14: Nitrite levels have peaked and your fish may again show signs of stress. The use of aquarium salt (up to 1 teaspoon per gallon) or a series of 10% water changes* may provide needed relief.
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: peaking
Nitrate: 0

Day 27: Nitrite levels are still elevated as the second phase of helpful bacteria begin the process of turning nitrites into nitrates. Continue to monitor for signs of stress.

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: falling
Nitrate: present but may not be detectable

Day 29: The worst is behind us now as the second phase bacteria begin to process nitrites as quickly as they are produced. Nitrates (only harmful in higher concentrations) are now detectable.
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: almost nil
Nitrate: detectable

Day 30 and beyond: Both phases of bacteria are handling wastes as quickly as they occur. The tank has cycled and you have a working biological filter! Nitrate levels can be maintained optimally (5 to 10 ppm) with 10% weekly water changes, or 20% every other week. You may now finish stocking the tank by adding a couple of fish per week until fully stocked. Water parameters may now be monitored weekly or bi-monthly.
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: must be kept under 40 ppm
 
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!8 days, your numbers are probalby about right, but as said very toxic to the fish. The better way to combate nitrate is water changes, beyondthe cyle estabilishment you will see no nitrites if things are run properly. I didn't read you entire text attachment, but it looks pretty close. don't rely on time frames to be exact, they do fluctuate a bit.

Water changes to reduce nitrite levels are in order as OG said. for instant relief of you fish some form of CL addition is the best route. any table salt cooking salt form should be fine. Sea salt is among them if we are talking about NaCl type stuff, The amount of Cl needed is not that high, the dosage OG mentioned should be plenty. Other forms of Cl that will work also are CaCl (ice melter) and KCl nu-salt. If you have table salt cooking salt or canning salt in the house start putting it in quickly. I usually add 1/4 teaspoon per gallon mixed with tank water, and then repeat every hour until the target level is reached. nitrite poisoning blocks the fish's ability to process oxygen. so essentially they will slowly be asphyxiated. they first become lethargic, then they will start acting drunk, running into things and acting totally delerious. The salt will counteract this quite quickly. There is also some risk of secondary problems like fungal or bacterial infections as the effects of nitrite weaken the fish and make them more succeptable to other ailments. don't panic but act quickly and watch them closely.
dave
 
Awesome calculator, with normal water, that looks to be a great tool. I can see where there could be some issue with abnormal tap water, but for most folks it should be great.
Dave
 
Don't let a schedule tell you when your tank is cycled. I battled high nitrites for about 5 weeks. My whole cycle took a little better than 7 weeks. I was doing 60% water changes every day and sometimes twice a day if needed. Don't get discouraged it will eventually End.
 
Boohoo said:
I battled high nitrites for about 5 weeks...doing 60% water changes every day and sometimes twice a day if needed.
Click to expand...

5 weeks! Wow!!! You must be exhausted.... but after that trouble, do u face any drastic increase of nitrites ever again?
 
From what I understand you should not see any nitrites once the cycle has completed unless you are overstocked and the bacteria can't handle the waste their producing, or if something causes the bacteria to die off in your filter. Such as changing all the media at one time, rinsing media in tap water, extended power outages, and most medications. So far so good for me, but the tanks only finished cycling about 1.5 months ago. Good Luck!
 
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