Nitrites Won't Come Down

[Butch]

Well all the tanks finally made it. Before I left for the coast Friday
I put 15ml of ammonia in each tank. Tank #1 was still showing
.5++ nitrites. The other two were zero on NH3 and NO2. Today
when I came home and tested, all three were zero on everything,
including the #1 tank. I put 10ml of ammonia in each and it brought
the ammonia level up to .8ppm in each tank. If gone tomorrow and
nitrites too I will call Jack Wed morning.
Have to keep an eye on the storm in the Gulf, might have to go back
and get the boat if this thing get any stronger.

Butch

[Butch]

One thing I have noticed is that the Nitrates did not seem to
get too high. All three tanks are running about 10-11ppm.
I did do a large water change a week or so ago.
They sure didn't get as high as some report, in the 30's and 40's.
Ideas appreciated.

Butch

[cowboy steve]

I'm late to this conversation, and it looks like you've beat this problem into submission, but I noticed you use a canister filter, I run wet/dry and sometime you can get a nitrite spike if too much solid matter accumulates on your bio media.

I'm not saying this is what happened, only that it can happen, it would appear that removing your gravel threw your cycle out of whack.

Anyways I'm glad you made it, and good luck in the future, your fish should be grateful that you fought so hard for them.

[Butch]

Hi Steve...thanks for the get back. No, I am using Hydro Sponges and
AquaClears. No canister. I have one but only use it in special cases.
Things are in good shape now...fish been here a week and doing good.
They spend most of their time eating and chasing each other. Very active
group. Doing 50-60% daily water changes and in the one week I can see
some growth, especially in the Leopards.

Thanks
Butch