Nitrite stabilizing

[M0oN]

Well since my last post about it my nitrite has still not stabilized past .25 and I'm required to do water changes 3 times a day.

Does anyone have any ideas what the problem could be or am I just being impatient?

Thanks,
Jason

[Carol_Roberts]

Hi Jason:
You have no detectible ammonia.
NitrIte is .25 (not nitrAte)
Is there a nitrAte reading yet? Your filter should be close to cycled again once you see nitrAte.

Keep 2 tbsp salt per 10 gallons in the tank at all times to counter the effects of nitrIte.

I know it's a lot of work, but you are doing the right thing.

[M0oN]

Did another check on things, nitrate is at 40 ppm even after a large water change which makes me feel a little bit better...

Ammonia and nitrite are reading at .25 ppm (although ammonia could be zero or closer, I'm slightly color blind so it's hard to tell).

Thanks Carol,
Jason

[Carol_Roberts]

Hi Jason:
something is wrong with your numbers or test kits. Or you have a dead fish in the tank OR food rotting in the filter.

If you have been doing three 30% water changes per day for several days your nitrAtes should be close to zero. 40 is WAY high for even once a day water changes. My nitrAtes are barely detectable - never over 5. I do one water change per day on older juveniles and adults (all I have right now)

[M0oN]

Thanks again Carol, I've sent you an IM in hopes of clearing some problems up.

Jason