How can I bring the nitrite levels down in my tropical fish tank?

Question

My aquarium is about 10 days old and has had fish in it about a week (I used Cycle to mature the bacteria levels quickly so I could add fish after 2 days). The nitrite levels are showing as 'harmful' - ie not good over long periods for the fish. How long will it be before the 2nd type of bacteria kicks in to convert the nitrite to nitrate? And is there anything I can do to speed it up? The 4 fish seem to be ok, perhaps breathing a little quickly.

Answer 1

It can take up to 3 to 4 weeks for a tank to mature, & this is even with a bacterial culture which you have used. You also need a good biological filter. All you can do now is to perform 50% water changes on a daily basis, until the NO2 levels are down.

Answer 2

Do a 30% water change now and repeat every 2 days. I always fully mature a new tank before adding fish as I dont trust these so called accelerants! The best natural way to speed up production of bacteria is from another Mature tank. If you know another fishkeeper try and get some gravel or a bit of filter sponge off them! At this early stage be careful not to overfeed the fish and wait till all chemical tests are ok before adding more.

Answer 3

Get some Prime, add a little aquarium salt. Change 30% of the water. Get some BioSpira to add benificial bacteria. Cycle is kind of hit-miss as far as how well it works...and I read recently that it may not be the right kind of bacteria in the first place.

After cycling...do regular gravel-vac/water changes 10-20% each week.

Answer 4

you should NOT have added fish until the tank is cycled. Nitrite is toxic as is ammonia. Do frequent water changes, say 10% every day and use the testing kit to monitor the levels. Your fish will likely alldie and don't get any more until the levels are safe. My tank has been cycling now for 3 weeks and the levels are still too high to add fish. I'm having to content myself with putting all the plants and bogwood etc in until the water is safe.
There is enough info out there on the 'net and in aquarium books about cycling the tank before adding fish. Am I to understand that you did no research whatsoever before setting up your tank?

Answer 5

There are a number of chemicals which can help you. PetSmart, PetCo, Petsupplies Plus, Walmart and even the local pet store have Nitrate inhibitors and eliminators. They work quickly and are Usually in a liquid form. There are many varieties, but they all do the same thing. While you are there, take a sample of water to the store. Be sure the Ph, Ak and all else are ok as well.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Had the same problem, Went to the local aquatics centre and they squeezed the water out of one of their "mature aquarium" filters and told me to pour it over my filter to introduce the "good bacteria" that kept the water in good condition. Kinda like eating a yakult! Did the trick!

Answer 7

Nitrite toxicity in fish ponds and tanks. The dangers and resolving elevated levels ... In general we would only expect to see elevated nitrite levels ...www.fishdoc.co.uk/water/nitrite.htm I hope this information helps. vote for me!

Answer 8

nitrite is caused by rotting food or plants in your tank if you have plants in the tank be sure they have the required UV lighting a general rule i use is for every gallon of water you should have 2 watts of UV lights

Answer 9

i am experiencing the same problem, however regular changes help. I would also recomend going to your fish shop and asking for help

Answer 10

Do a 50% water change. Thereafter, do about a 25% water change once a month.