NO2 Level

[cmj76]

I just started a 75 gallon tank on 11/01/06 with a Fluval 404 filter. I have african cichlids (mbuna) about 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 ". My readings are as follows:
Water Temp - 78 degrees
PH Level- 7.4
NH3/NH4- 0
NO2 -1
I was told yestreday to keep doing 25 % water changes every day to the NO2 level drops. I already done one on 11/30/06 then one on 12/5 and one on 12/6. Is this normal for a new filter ? Any info will greatly be appreciated

 

[RadleyMiller]

Your tank is still cycling. Hold off on the water changes for a little bit, and add some salt to help with NO2 burning. Whats the nitrate reading?

 

[thamunsta]

LAUGHING GAS!!!!

 

[RadleyMiller]

Thats N20!

 

[MilitantPotato]

Seeing that NO2 is toxic, I really think he should be changing water since it has fish in it.

It's better IMO to have a prolonged cycle than exposing fish to toxic doses of NO2 or NH3 and then dealing with the death/disease that comes from stressed/poisoned fish.

Below .25 is where you want it, if the tank is working right NO2 and NH3 should be 0.

Salt helps NO2 toxicity, I agree with Radley on using some.

 

[Bderick67]

Keep changing 25% of water daily, this will not prolong the cycling period. the nitrites are present so the bacteria will continue to grow

 

[Dr Joe]

Seeing that NO2 is toxic, I really think he should be changing water since it has fish in it.

It's better IMO to have a prolonged cycle than exposing fish to toxic doses of NO2 or NH3 and then dealing with the death/disease that comes from stressed/poisoned fish.

Below .25 is where you want it, if the tank is working right NO2 and NH3 should be 0.

Salt helps NO2 toxicity, I agree with Radley on using some.

Keep us posted.

Dr Joe

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