New tank syndrome in my 220g

[charles-n-charge]

Just tested my water and found that my Nitrites were through the roof! Over 5.0ppm!
The tube is still turning darker purple every minute too

I've never had an issue with nitrites before, but then it hit me! Back when I first set up my first aquarium I had this issue known as New Tank Syndrome, like many new fish keepers do, and my LFS lady told me it was because my nitrites were too high because the good bacteria had not yet colonized in my tank.
Then I thought to myself "How could I have NTS in my 220 that has been running for 7 months now?", then I realized my mistake.
During my weekly water changes for the past month or two, I've been adding pure tap water to my tank with no conditioners or anything. And this must have killed all my good bacteria over time and let the nitrites rise to extreme levels.

So I went to the store and bought some stuff to re-cycle my tank, I'm doing a 30-40% water change on my tank, and I'm adding old filter media from other tanks to this one to help get the good bacteria growing.

The reasons I'm posting this is

1. I like owning up to my mistakes
2. I thought this was very interesting and could help any of you from making this same mistake
3. I would like to confirm that this actually is the cause of my nitrites being so high

So if you agree with my statement, or you have any input, then please throw it out there!

 

[charles-n-charge]

Would it be smart to remove my pleco for a week or two to let all the algae and such grow and balance out the tank?

 

[charles-n-charge]

Bump

 

[Motoxer777]

try dr.tims "one and only" live and nitrifying bacteria. pricey but works. and seachem stability

 

[Motoxer777]

keep pleco. when you add water always use Prime by seachem.

 

[JC09]

stability will help cycle your tank in about a week. was it just tap water or well water?

 

[charles-n-charge]

It's just tap water.

All I did today was a 40% WC, added extra filtration with old media, added conditioner, and added EasyBalance. I'm hoping this will allow it to re-cycle itself quickly

 

[Motoxer777]

yes. take some sponge from a used canister filter and squeeze it over the tank. you should be fine tho with the old media. unless it sat out and dried

 

[charles-n-charge]

It's all wet and nasty so it should be good. I added it all to my sump

I feel like a total newbie for this one lol. I havent had to cycle a tank in forever.
But this does explain why my aro has been so stressed lately so I guess that's a good thing