Fish Water

Question
I just moved to a new apartment. My 36 gallon tank was moved with me and my fish were put in a 10 gallon that fit into my car instead of the moving van. Currently my 36 seems to be going through another nitrogen cycle and I am worried that my fish are too cramped in the ten gallon.

In the 10 gallon, I have put some drinking water which has great water readings. Right now it is at about two parts old water (from my old home) and one part drinking water. However, it isn't full because I am afraid that they will not like having a mostly-drinking-water tank and my fish don't really fit in a 10 gallon well anyway. I am using a bubbler so there is enough air. I am worried about stress and I am also concerned that the cramped tank will start to become more toxic as well.

In the 36 gallon, I am using the same gravel, plants, filter, and decor as before. I also installed a temporary bubble wall for more aeration. I have used Stress Zyme, Aqueon Ammonia Neutralizer, aquarium salt, Topfin Water Conditioner, and Easy Balance. My Ammonia readings are under control and have been for about 24 hours, but I am worried about the nitrite levels. My readings are: Ammonia 0ppm, Nitrate 10ppm, Nitrite .50ppm and pH 8.0. My pH is high (I have tetras) and I use pH Down, but it was also high at my old place so they are used to it.

What would be the best course of action? Is .50ppm Nitrite reading very bad? I don't want to kill my fish!

Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Kristen,
 I do not understand why you are putting in aquarium salt when you keep tetras.  They don't want or need it.  I also don't understand the use of the Water Conditioner, the Ammonia Neutralizer -- they do the same thing.  I do not know what "Easy Balance" is.  


 Basically, I suggest you keep the fish in the 10 gallon tank for a little while. Do 25% water changes every couple of days.  Put a few of them into the big tank to get it going.  Do a 25% water change after a week or so and then add a few more fish.  Keep going until you have moved them all.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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