nitrate-nitrite

[krib]

Ihave a farlly new tank and ther has been a big surge in nitrites please can somebody help me i have done 25% water changes and still the problem is there i have even bought a bag that you hang in the water that takes out all the nitrate and this has not hellped could it be the sand that i have in the tank or thepiece of wood if it is not fixed soon i fear i will loose some fish which include a breeding pair of kribensis and babys
help krib

 

[smb]

Sounds like you have a tank that is cycling. This is perfectly normal if it is. The bacteria getting rid of ammonia produces nitrite.

If it is cycling, you don't want to do water changes unless absolutely neccessary. That might start the cycle all over again.

Do you have another tank you can add filter media and gravel from?

If not, go to your lfs and ask for some.

I don't want to make predictions on whether a certain fish can make it or not because even if they do, it's hurting them.

Click on the link in my sig for a debate about it with a couple good ref links in there also.

 

[krib]

cheers will it effect my tank and babys if i add a cycle starter and will that help the tank at all. i have another tank which is filled with sand as well will it help if i put some of the sand in the tank? how long will the nitrites take to come down again
manythanks-krib

 

[smb]

I would try some Biospira, if possible. I've never used cycle and don't know personnaly if it works. I hear from others it does tho. I don't think I've ever heard of any fry surviving a cycle, so it's probably the only choice you have unless someone else can let you and I know different.

It will take anywhere from 5-10 more days or so for the nitrites to come down. It's impossible to tell. Sometimes it lasts for a couple weeks.

The fact that you said "cheers" to me, means you're from the UK? I'm not sure if biospira or what is available there, if so. Hopefully you'll know or someone else can jump in here that knows better than I.

Make sure you test your Ammonia too. Hopefully the cycle didn't start over.

What filtration do you have? Do you have a Bio-Wheel?

 

[krib]

i have a filter in the corner what is a bio wheel yes i am from the uk scotland acctually . cheers mate krib 8)

 

[sandyd]

Krib, if you put some of the sand from the other tank in there, it may help you to speed up your cycle. Hope all goes well for you. Sandy