what is a safe nitrite level for fish during a bacteria fishy cycle?

Question

well this is only like the fourth day since I started cycling my tank, and the nitrite levels were .05 last time I tested. So I was just wondering if that was okay for a little while or if that would prove harmful until the tank cycles all the way. I know that the nitrite level is supposed to be 0. But I was hoping it would be safe for my fish to still be in the tank.

Answer 1

Nitrite comes after ammonia and before Ntirate. Nitrite is almost as toxic as ammonia, so try to keep it as low as possible with frequent small water changes.

For example, if you have a 10 gallon tank, changing 1 or 2 gallons daily while it cycles is not a bad idea.

I'm trying to remember, there really isn't a "safe" level of Nitrite, but I thin if you keep it under .05 PPM it is ok for the short term while your tank cycles.

Gale

Answer 2

Well this is how the cycle works. Ammonia is converted to nitrite(during this point ammonia will drop to 0 whereas nitrite will skyrocket). Next would be when another type of beneficial bacteria develops independently. At this point the nitrite would be 0 and the nitrate would be high. You can get rid of it by simple water changes of 20 percent. No level of ammonia or nitrite is safe. You need to get rid of both.

Answer 3

Technically there is no safe level of nitrite,and the toxicity actually depends on the pH of the tank(higher pH = more toxic). However if you can keep it under .5%(one half of one per cent) your fish should be OK for a while. More than two weeks at this level could prove harmful. Monitor the levels closely and do daily 10% water changes if it starts to increase over .5%.----Good luck.----PeeTee

Answer 4

Fish are stressed when levels are .5 ppm of nitrite. Levels around 10-20 ppm are lethal.

Nitrate levels are toxic at 50 ppm.

This is from this website
http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin.html

I think that is the best website for fish care. Hope this helps!