nitrite level still near zero and not zero = 0.1 - 0.5 mg/dl for my 7 weeks running

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by minajaguar, Jun 2, 2012.

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  1. minajaguar

    minajaguar Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2012
    Messages:
    188
    MY nitrite level still near zero and not zero = 0.1 - 0.5 mg/dl
    for my 7 weeks running tank 30 gallon light stock fish only tank .
    what to do or just wait ???
     
    minajaguar, Jun 2, 2012
    minajaguar, Jun 2, 2012
    #1

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  2. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
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    Location:
    USA
    Did you mean nitrate?

    Nitrite will stay at zero if your biofilter was established correctly. Nitrate is what may climb and need exporting through water changes, depending on your load and filtration. If your nitrate is zero, I would get it checked at the LFS (I use 2 kits for this purpose) for verification, then just relax. :)
     
    Mr. Bill, Jun 2, 2012
    Mr. Bill, Jun 2, 2012
    #2
  3. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    Jan 11, 2011
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    Denitrifing bacteria can take a long time to establish. 7 weeks is nothing, so, not surprising that there wouldn't be much nitrification. Also, how much surface area is there for colonization. I.e. you said Fish Only, how much rock and sand is in the tank? I agree with Mr. Bill, water changes are your friend, but on the other hand, fish can handle hundreds of ppm (mg/L), or more, of nitrate. So, it probably doesn't matter if there is no algae issues...
     
    m2434, Jun 2, 2012
    m2434, Jun 2, 2012
    #3