Sasha
03-17-2011, 10:19 AM
I've experienced a mini-cycle "spike" due to increased bio-load after adding 4 juvies to an empty (but previously cycled) tank. Ammonia is zero, and nitrites were on a rapid decline (from 5.0 ppm to 0.25 over the course of 5 days), but now seem to be stuck at 0.25 ppm for the last 4 days.
I used Prime throughout this process, but prefer to not use it because of its side effect of lowering the oxygen levels in the water at high temps. I am keeping the tank at 86-88 degrees and using some salt to help counter a few spots of ich that I've noticed.
Is it necessary (or advisable) to use Prime when the nitrites are this low? Although I know the nitrites should be zero, I don't know how dangerous/harmful the 0.25 ppm level is.
(I'm doing 35% water changes daily with mix of well water and RO water, PH 7.8, 9 dGH, 7 dKH, 0 ammonia, nitrate under 5 ppm. Penguin 200 BioWheel HOB. Added Eheim SubstratePro to filter 3 days ago.)
Suggestions? Many thanks.
I used Prime throughout this process, but prefer to not use it because of its side effect of lowering the oxygen levels in the water at high temps. I am keeping the tank at 86-88 degrees and using some salt to help counter a few spots of ich that I've noticed.
Is it necessary (or advisable) to use Prime when the nitrites are this low? Although I know the nitrites should be zero, I don't know how dangerous/harmful the 0.25 ppm level is.
(I'm doing 35% water changes daily with mix of well water and RO water, PH 7.8, 9 dGH, 7 dKH, 0 ammonia, nitrate under 5 ppm. Penguin 200 BioWheel HOB. Added Eheim SubstratePro to filter 3 days ago.)
Suggestions? Many thanks.