more help please!!!

[cashay]

My Nitrite has jumped off the charts! I have been changing 50% of water every other day three times now, I have added a little more prime, each time, also added marine buffer, oh and salt
nitrate-40
nitrite 10.+
GH-300
KH-80
PH-6.8+
First it was my KH AND PH now it is NITRATE AND NITRITE ammonia high to, I have changed water every other day should I change it everyday? I have been using wondershells also pretty quickly if I may add, (they are dissolving quicker)

[Carl]

I would not be too alarmed, as in my opinion this is a natural progression of water parameters (albeit slow) based on your high ammonia and other issues, including changes made to the aquarium.

I would continued with small water changes and Prime, do not rinse filter sponges in anything other than used tank water so as to preserve bacteria.
The Wonder Shells dissolving quicker is just electrolyte response to your water conditions and this is fine AND helpful.

For more see the high Ammonia/Nitrites section in this article:
Aquarium Nitrogen Article

Carl

[cashay]

But isnt high nitrite deadly?

[Carl]

Dec 27, 2008 12:23:39 GMT -5 cashay said:

But isnt high nitrite deadly?

Yes, but not as deadly as ammonia and your use of Prime de-toxfies it as well (it does not eliminate it). Nitrite toxicity can also be lowered by increased salt in the water.

HOWEVER, my main point is that you have moved from ammonia to nitrites, which is a healthy progression, and as well you are doing a good job managing this problem IMO, so I just do not want you to get too stressed over a problem that you are doing the best you can with.

Carl

[goldenpuon]

A few times I've ahd nitrite that was over 10 and frankly, I was shocked to see the fish acting as if almost nothing was wrong. It is toxic but you should try not to worry about it and let it go down on its own. Personally, I have found levels of ammonia and nitrite to go higher during cycling if too many water changes are done as well as cleaning that removes nitrifying bacteria.

Still, you should carefully monitor it. How are your fish acting? If they are acting ok, then try not to stress too much. Just due the cleaning that is required to keep your tank clean and check on the nitrite daily. Also, are you sure the strips read right? The other day, tested the PH in my goldfish tank and it read 6.2, I was quite surprised with the amount of SeaChem Buffer I had been addng. I added the correct dose of SeaChem buffer to ithe tank (for 10 gallons) and then it read 8.5 when I tested it again minutes later! After testing it again, I realzied that my first reading was greatly off. I did a 25% water chang after that so the PH was about 7.9. The goldies have been good since. My point is don't panic, test again, there may have been an error in your reading.

[cashay]

sheww (wiping brow) 0k thanks... glad to know this is the process and normal. will keep watching it,