nitrites

[mriversinco]

I've had my tank cycling with a gourami in it for a month now. That past 2 weeks, there hasn't been any ammonia but the nitrites are getting really high. They're well about 10. I was wondering if this is normal? I introduced some established gravel into the tank 5 days ago, but it hasn't changed the nitrites. Also, the PH has been pretty high the entire time (8.5). Just wondering if that is having an effect on it too?

Thanks

 

[le patron]

that happened to me when i started my first fish tank, but then i bought nitraban water treatment. its pretty much what you use to treat water when you make water changes to remove chemicals and metals, except for it really helps lower nitrates and nitrites. hope this helps! (it worked for me)

 

[duanes]

Don't disturb the process, a high nitrite reading is a normal part of the cycle, let it cycle completely before doing anything other than some water changes. When nitrite readings come down naturally, that is when nitrites are converted to nitrate and the cycling is complete.

 

[mriversinco]

Thanks, I was just afraid of the gourami not making it through the high nitrites.

 

[pacu mom]

Thanks, I was just afraid of the gourami not making it through the high nitrites.

That's why fishless cycling should have been considered....no fish are ever harmed.

If you want the fish to survive, you should do a water change. If you had planned on sacrificing the fish, continue on as you have been doing.

 

[mriversinco]

If the fish dies, do I have to get another or will the cycle complete?

 

[Bderick67]

if the fish dies, just leave it in the tank. it will decompose adding ammonia to the tank. in about three weeks you see no ammonia, no nitrite, and increasing nirate levels. once you get these readings you tank is cycled.

 

[jcardona1]

if the fish dies, just leave it in the tank. it will decompose adding ammonia to the tank. in about three weeks you see no ammonia, no nitrite, and increasing nirate levels. once you get these readings you tank is cucled.

yup! just wait till your nitrate shoots up, then do a big water change and youre ready to slowly start adding fish!