Nitrites and Nitrates Are Up and Not Going Down

Hey guy's,

I have had some Damsels in my aquarium along with two live rocks for the past two weeks. The Ammonia has spiked up and has leveled out to 0-.25. However, the Nitrite level has spiked up to 5.0 and Nitrate to 40. I have done 25% water change and the levels has not dropped. Just found out that I needed a protein skimmer which I just installed. Does anyone know why my levels has done leveled off? If its because of the protein skimmer, after installation....how long would it take to have it leveled off?

Any information to help me with the Nitrite and Nitrate level would be greatly appreciated.

Ry

 

Hi Ry,

I myself would do another water change to bring down those levels and provide some relief for the chromis.

You can add more live cured rock as well to assist in cycling.

Consider adding Microbacter7 or one of Dr.Tims products.

At this point you may have stalled your cycle, adding more beneficial bacteria and reducing the levels of ammonia and nitrites may facilitate your cycle.

 

What size tank do you have?
How many pounds of live rock/live sand do you have in your display?
How long has the tank been running?

This would help out some.