Nitrite Levels too High

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by ao72689, Jan 16, 2012.

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  1. ao72689

    ao72689 Feather Duster

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    I started my cycle about 2-3 wks ago. I test my water everyday. My nitrite levels have been high the best couple of days and was wondering:

    a) why are they continuously high?

    b) when will they go down?

    c) how can I reduce the levels
     
    ao72689, Jan 16, 2012
    ao72689, Jan 16, 2012
    #1

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  2. pgoodsell

    pgoodsell Horrid Stonefish

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    Nitrite levels will stay high until the second stage bacteria grow, they will convert it to nitrates. Its all part of the cycle.
     
    pgoodsell, Jan 16, 2012
    pgoodsell, Jan 16, 2012
    #2
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  3. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    Patience grasshopper! It can take 4-8 weeks!
     
    cosmo, Jan 16, 2012
    cosmo, Jan 16, 2012
    #3
  4. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Initially you do not want to reduce them, you can however add what some call bacteria in a bottle which might inoculate your system with more beneficial bacteria.

    It's the cycle it's all about patience.
     
    Corailline, Jan 16, 2012
    Corailline, Jan 16, 2012
    #4
  5. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    It is all part of the waiting game. A little more info about your tank may help us help you with what is going on though. How high are your nitrites? What size tank? Did you use dry rock or cultured?
     
    sticksmith23, Jan 16, 2012
    sticksmith23, Jan 16, 2012
    #5
  6. ao72689

    ao72689 Feather Duster

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    thanks for the replies.

    My tank is 90g with 75 lbs of live rock.

    As for how high? Im not sure, my test kit is just color coded, no numbers are given. Is this not a sufficient test kit?
     
    ao72689, Jan 16, 2012
    ao72689, Jan 16, 2012
    #6

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  7. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    What brand is it? Most of them give a number value as well.
     
    sticksmith23, Jan 16, 2012
    sticksmith23, Jan 16, 2012
    #7
  8. ao72689

    ao72689 Feather Duster

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    They are tetra test strips, 6 in 1. Also have tetra strips for ammonia testing
     
    ao72689, Jan 16, 2012
    ao72689, Jan 16, 2012
    #8
  9. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    Ok, that makes since now. I believe test strips are the least accurate means of testing.
     
    sticksmith23, Jan 16, 2012
    sticksmith23, Jan 16, 2012
    #9
  10. ao72689

    ao72689 Feather Duster

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    what do you suggest?
     
    ao72689, Jan 16, 2012
    ao72689, Jan 16, 2012
    #10
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