Constant nitrite and nitrate issues

[knifegill]

I'm going to be honest, my goldfish tanks have to have 2 50% water changes a week, sometimes three to keep nitrAtes down to appropriate levels.

Same for my Oscar in the 125g, since appropriate to me is 20ppm or less. Preferable I take it below 10ppm and change again at 15ppm but that doesn't always happen. I once let it hit 30ppm and it didn't cause any obvious problems that very day. But I did a 75% change and another a few days later.

Now I'm getting into plants to eat them between weekly water changes. Trying pothos in old HOB filters and a willow branch in my 5g that has already sprouted roots. Nitrates are the devil, but not the only devil. Nutrient depletion is a problem, too, so don't let your old man convince you that a few tiny water changes are okay. A healthy system can take 25% every day easily, and if there are no plants to think of fertilizing, 100% is perfectly reasonable. Granted, 90% lets you leave the fish in the tank...

 

[rhodes_96]

When you do water changes for your tanks are you adding tap water to the tanks with conditioner while the filters are on ?
Or are you pre treating the change water before adding to the tank ?

To have continual nitrites is most likely your bio media is not completing the nitrogen cycle. It could be clogged from inadequate pre bio mechanical filtration, not enough media, or damaged media during tank maintenance.

 

[Ruchit]

what i would suggest is take the fishes out as the fish load is again slowing down the nitrogen cycle. perform a large water change add some photosynthetic bacteria many brands has it like ista or ocean free or you can also add aquarium salt which does help in speeding the process of cycle.. let the tank run empty for couple of weeks i think you should definitely see some changes. happy fish keeping !

 

[geronimo69]

what i would suggest is take the fishes out as the fish load is again slowing down the nitrogen cycle. perform a large water change add some photosynthetic bacteria many brands has it like ista or ocean free or you can also add aquarium salt which does help in speeding the process of cycle.. let the tank run empty for couple of weeks i think you should definitely see some changes. happy fish keeping !

Ignore the above.

Do a few large water changes ( like 75% for 2 or 3 days) then switch to 50% (or more as needed) per week. Don't clean your filter media in tap water (use tank water). Treat new water before adding to tank. These simple steps should get you on your way. You'll notice as those beasts of fish grow, they'll need more water changes to keep the nitrates in check.

 

[Jc1119]

what i would suggest is take the fishes out as the fish load is again slowing down the nitrogen cycle. perform a large water change add some photosynthetic bacteria many brands has it like ista or ocean free or you can also add aquarium salt which does help in speeding the process of cycle.. let the tank run empty for couple of weeks i think you should definitely see some changes. happy fish keeping !

ummmm......no unless you plan on returning the fish, dont move them.

dont do that, big fish=big water changes

and while the salt may help counter your nitrite spike, it doesnt do anything to speed the cycling process.

 

[Garlover]

I just went through this same problem. All I did was 50% water changes everyday for about 2 weeks and added some prime when needed to help nutrilise the ammonia and nitrites while the tank was finishing its cycle. I was getting really frustrated but one day did a test and everything was perfect. Just keep up with the water changes and it will eventually turn around