High Nitrite Level

Question
QUESTION: Hi Renee
Approximately 3 weeks ago I set up a 40 ltr glass aquarium (13"x13"x16")for Tropical use. As yet I have no fish in the tank as I am struggling to keep the Nitrite levels below 4. I have tested the Ammonia level and this is at 0.5/25 deg C. The Ph is 8.2 as that is the Ph of the water in my area and the Ph the fish are bred in locally to me so no problems there. I have done 4 25% water changes in this period and in desperation changed both filters on the submerged tank pump, I also used a quick start on one of the filters to get the bacteria going. I am reading many different things about how to cycle my tank but I am now confused and desperate. I have read that if I put a few fish in this may help with the ammonia levels, is this right?

Please help as I am starting to get frustrated over this.

Grant

ANSWER: Hello Grant,

If you put in new fish, your ammonia is going to skyrocket at first, but will lower as the bacteria forms.  Meantime, you'd need to do water changes and monitor their health, as ammonia is cruel to fish.

Nitrates exist already, and poop together will cause an ammonia reaction.  True, the two together will cause a bacteria bloom, and hopefully some beneficial bacteria will form, but putting in some snails will do the same thing and you won't lose any fish.

Nitrates existing in the water of a new tank are an alarming issue, but not uncommon.

What type of filtration are you using?

Okay, so Grant, you can introduce one or two small fish to get the cycle going, and feed them, however the day you introduce them, please submerse a net of Zeolyte crystals.  The ammonia may spike for awhile.  Zeolyte will help it from reaching a deadly level.

I hope this helps.

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


My Tank   QUESTION: Hi Renee

Thank you for you very speedy response.

However, it is "Nitrite" that I have tested first an it is Nitrite that has a level of 4mg/l. Ammonia level was 0.1mg/l @ 26 deg C when tested last night.

I am using an Interpet Power Filter PF1 in the tank and I have added JBL Filter Start on the white mechanical filter as advised by my local Aquarium suppliers.

I will get a couple snails as advised in the mean time to see if this helps speed things up a bit. How often can/should I do a 25% water change? every day for a week or so? So to recap, I will add a couple of snails, and a couple of small fish? Are water changes useless unless you have fish in the tank? i heard this some where?

How often should i test the water in the tank? is every day to much?

Sorry but you may be a little bit busy with me over the coming weeks and more, I so want to get this tank up and running, I will not be defeated :o)

I will also try to find some Zeolyte Crystals locally. I am in the UK by the way, didn't know if you knew this.

I have attached a picture of my tank for you to see, there are 4 living plants and one false (front left) The wood came from the Aquarium suppliers so is ok.

Hope to hear soon

Grant

Answer
Hi Grant,

Your tank is gorgeous, but the picture has spoken 1000 words.  I've got bad news.  The filter is insufficient for a 10 gallon tank, let alone a 40.  Your local store advised you incorrectly.  That is basically a powerhead with some sponge on the bottom.  It's not a filter, not in any type of real way...it's a water blower, and it has asponge filter.  Those are the same size we use with our 2 gallon and one gallon fry tanks.

I advise getting a better filter, as that would provide ample filtration.  You would want to find something like a Marineland Penguin 350.  That would give you crystal clear water.

In fact, this is the exact model I recommend for your setup.  http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MARINELAND-BIO-WHEEL-350-AQUARIUM-POWER-FILTER-/26066732

They don't really show once installed.  Just the down tube.  I use one on my 20 gallon long.  They are rated up to 60 gallons, however, would be perfect for your 40.

Yes, add the snails, and the nitrites are a bad sign.  They will skyrocket ammonia alongside and so if there are any trace nitrite amounts, it's time to change out the water again.

You can add a couple small fish and snails.  See how it goes, but don't add them til you change out 25% of the water.

Change out that much water weekends til it's clean and test it every 3 days.  A good indication of issues is to watch your fish.  If they go to the top, lack of oxygen = ammonia/nitrites/nitrates probably too high.  If they go to the bottom and lay there, probably not a good sign either.  Test water for chemicals and metals.

Remember, filters are rated at what they would supply, not at what people put them to use for.

Those who rate them use some kind of system which often fails.  A high percentage of All Experts fish issues are answered by simple water quality improvement.

I truly hope this helps.  I'd send you our extra one if you were local, but we're in California.  It would cost more to send than to buy, lol. :)

Good luck and the door is open to ask all you'd like...It's okay for you to ask all you want.  I want to help you.
Renee