controlling nitrite levels in new tank set up

Question
Hi, for easter we bought our son a 72 litre aquarium with  built in filters and water aeration, a relative came around who has a mature tank of his own, and set up our tank with water from his aquarium to try to speed up the maturing of our filter, we have added all the correct water conditioners and bacteria to our water change and still couldn't get the  nitrite levels down, so i went to a local fish store where the assistant said that adding a few fish may help to speed up the cycle, we did this and added another bacteria that was recommended and meant to lower the levels within 5 days! this is the 6th day and the nitrite levels are still extremely high (all other results are fine), the fish seem ok and have been in the tank for ten days, the tank has been set up for 16 days, what can we do to help the fish survive these extreme nitrite conditions and stabilize our tank cycle? many thanks for any advice, nick  

Answer
Hello,

The best way to lower nitrites is to let them come down naturally- with a little boost here and there from you. If you are already adding denitrifying chemicals (like Cycle) then you are off to a great start. I would also recommend changing 5% of your water daily. You should not change any more then that otherwise you could end up killing all the beneficial bacteria that you are trying to get! A small amount per day though is ok, and should help neutralize some of the nitrites. Once they begin to drop you can cease water changes, except for your regular weekly maintenance.

Cycling a tank is a lengthy process that can not easily be rushed. While products may claim to only take 6 days, those results are not typical. It can take from a week to 10 days (or more!) in order for your nitrites to decline and become safe. Patience is the key in this case. You may also want to supplement your aquarium with aquarium salt to help keep your fishes's immune systems in good condition through this cycling phase.

I hope this helps!

Regards,
Stephanie