Ammonia 0, but Nitrites off the roof, huh?

[stew_mag]

So I had dip test sticks that did everything but ammonia and it said my nitrite was very high, so I decided to go get a nice API full test kit and when I tested the water, my nitrite was very high (just as the dip strips said) but my ammonia was at very. So now did a 50% water changed added prime and some aquarium salt. Is there anything else I can do?

Thanks,
Stew

 

[johno27]

Is this a new tank? If so it may just be cycling

I don't want to insult you so don't be offended if you already know what cycling is but this is the order it gos in

ammonia(very toxic)----->nitrite(still fairly toxic)------->nitrate(not very toxic)

the only easy way to remove nitrate is through water changes.

Live plants can also help to remove nitrates

So you should test until you have 0 ammonia 0 nitrite and nitrates start showing up then the water is "safe"

 

[packer43064]

^^^^
Agree. Sounds like it's cycling.

 

[Gervahlt]

Doesn't even need to be a new tank to be going through the cycle if the OP somehow interrupted the biology of his tank, but definitely sounds like it's cycling.

 

[dirtbikerider]

I agree. It's just cycling

 

[cichlid2006]

your tank is just cycling, i wouldnt touch it. i suggest API's liquid kit, seems kind of expensive i know but it will pay for itself one day. the strips can be very unreliable and are far from accurate.

as for the nitrItes, just keep an eye on them and they should decrease and nitrAtes increase steadily.