Cycle not complete.

[trev2004]

I just recently added my fish.........when I thought my fishless cycle had complete! But my nitrites have been in the 3ppm to 4ppm range for the past 5 days. I really have been busy and put things off! ( I am soo sorry my beautiful wittle platies!!) They are acting normally! They actually come close to me when I get close to the tank, ready to be feed! Anyways! I just need to know what to do, to get my nitrites down ASAP! Thanks

 

[Sondan]

I suggest Trev do a 25% water change and then tomorrow do another 25% change and see what that does.
Trev is there any chance you have another tank you can move these fish to?
Signed,
Sondan

 

[trev2004]

no

 

[DrOizo]

Do a massive water change, get soem bacteria from an established aquarium, hoover up any crud off the bottom of the tank and add a nitra-zorb this should sought out your nitrite problem but it takes time and you may lose some fish. You fishless cycle was only set up to take the small amounts of (if you were only cycling with food and not ammonia) food that you were adding, your filter can't take the new strain on it caused by the fish

 

[dcraveiro]

You could also try a water additive called "Prime". You can use it in emergencies to detoxify nirites. Your lfs should have some.

Hope things go well!

DC

 

[gadazobe]

Do small daily water changes and your fish sholuld be alright. Although still toxic, nitrite is slightly less dangerous to fish than ammonia.

When you did a fishless cycles, did you continue "feeding" the tank with anything or just stop once you had a level of ammonia on your scale? If your nitrite level has been high for a few days, it shouldn't be too long before it suddenly disappears and then your cycle will be complete.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[christine]

I had a little nitrite problem, too. I had to do daily water changes for a few days. Hope everything goes well...