Limestone in rift tank?

[dovii_6]

So other then raising the pH and hardness of the water does anyone know of any pros or cons as using it as substrate. One of my friends has it in his tank and we're trying to figure out why his nitrates keep spiking over a two hour period and killing his fish. Im not sure what's going on thought yall might be able to help.

 

[dovii_6]

That should say nitrites not trates also his ph is staying solid 8 and testing no amonnia

 

[wrslrcichlid]

If his nitrites are spiking then his tank is not cycled.

As for the pros and cons of limestone in the tank, you basically hit the nail on the head. It definitely should not be effecting the ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates in the tank. Limestone raises and stabilizes the tank pH closer to what african cichlids like.

 

[MoNsTeR FiS]

I think he may of disturbed the biological bacteria in the substrate of the tank. That will cause ammonia and nitrite spikes.