Nitrite question...

So just a quick question. I just tested my levels and my nitrites came out as .25. I'm not sure it's reason for concern but I'm just wondering what it means as this is the first time I've had any reading. Ammonia is zero, pH is 8.2-8.4, and nitrates are 20 ppm.

Thanks in advance

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Is this a fish only tank? If so not detrimental but I would try to get it down. I had this problem the first time I got into saltwater then quickly learned to get rid of all filters and replace with reactor, skimmer, and macro while using distilled or ro/di water. If you are using a canister I would get rid of any filters and just use bags to hold the carbon/GFO or whatever you are using. Are you using bio balls? How good of circulation do you have? There is a lot to consider and we will need to know more about feeding habits and water changes along with your equipment to help. Be assured everyone here is here to help.

You really want the nitrates close to 0. Another important question would be "What brand test did you use?". You may want to take some water to your LFS to make sure the reading is correct.

 

How old is the tank? Anything died or missing?
How old is the test kit?

 

I recently lost all my fish bout two weeks ago, one not being found. It was a little clown fish bout half inch long. I bought the test kits in November I believe. Tank had been up since October

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I change ten gallons every week...

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having a nitrite reading after the tank has been running is basically a "canary in the coal mine" type thing - an indication something is not right. Now figuring out what that something is can be a challenge. You said you lost your fish - how? Did you treat with something? Have you recently cleaned the tank, filter ??

Need some some info to help you but you should fix this before adding more fish.

 

I got hit with some ICH and decided to try herbtana b/c I figured if everything was going to die anyway why not try something to prevent it. I don't plan on adding fish til July.

When I change water I wipe the glass.down and everything. I haven't cleaned the penguin thoroughly in about a month and it could probably use a change of filter pads.
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These little things are what make a huge difference in a small tank. For that kind of constant monitoring, if it where me I would try to write out a schedule to be sure I didn't miss anything. I would change carbon weekly with the water change.
What kind of water are you using? For a 10 gallon I think it would be easy enough to buy a couple gallons of distilled. In a small system evaporation can drastically change the salinity also.

I am just trying to think of things to help you. I would really try to find someone that has had a successful nano and pick their brain about keeping everything stable.

If the tank is still cycling I wouldn't go to extremes yet, just try to get in a good routine that you can follow consistently.

Most of all-good luck and have fun!!!!!
;D

 

Just to clarify hes talking about nitrites not nitrates.

 

oops! my bad. Sorry for MY confusion. This is a whole other problem at hand. Still nitrites are caused by an insufficient amount of bacteria to handle the conversion from nitrites to nitrates right? The same remedy could be used(constant monitoring, consistent maintenance, removing of "sponge" type filters). I find it very unpredictable to try to determine when a sponge filter becomes part of the biological filter. This can cause a raise of nitrates or cause spikes when you take them out to clean them if they do become a spot for bacteria to grow. I would imagine in a 10 gallon a small sponge is still a lot due to such a low water volume. I would apt to go with a reactor instead of an over the back even though over the back filter may be sufficient. I had nothing but problems with over the back filters. A small reactor with lignite carbon and GFO would really take care of that tank IMO.