Cycling HIGH Nitrites

[Lasse]

If you have any "used sand" in your other aquarium - just take some of that too. Or stirr some "old sand" in a 1 liter bucket and store some "sludge water" in the refrigerator and take some in your tank every day until you read 0 in NO2. The tricks are many - but all based on biological principles

Sincerely Lasse

 

[thenanoreefkeeper]

Are there any other brand test kits besides API that is a little easier to read? The API kit for nitrite has two colors for 2ppm and 5+ppm that are nearly identical...I dont know if I am in good shape or in panic mode.

 

[brandon429]

to show you a perspective outside this thread, run a basic google search on this

are nitrites harmful in reef tanks


let me know about the search returns, what they say. If you can find evidence outside this thread that nitrite is neutral in reefing, then you wont need to continue testing for it. Be mindful of patterns on your searching too, just because a Dr Tim video pops up saying nitrite matters doesnt really address a thousand other search returns saying it doesnt. make a decision based on a short search and read about nitrites in reefing. The majority of searches do show the classic allowed start: zero nitrites, zero ammonia and some nitrate. You'll at least see patterns in the threads where nitrite wasn't factored (we've been working on this years now) and where nitrite showed up in tanks that were cycled and years old (mis tests)! that mix alone shows you how change begins in the hobby, by finding places of conflict and resolving them. in the end, we have a thread here showing them not applying, to add to searches.

 

[thenanoreefkeeper]

to show you a perspective outside this thread, run a basic google search on this

are nitrites harmful in reef tanks


let me know about the search returns, what they say. If you can find evidence outside this thread that nitrite is neutral in reefing, then you wont need to continue testing for it. Be mindful of patterns on your searching too, just because a Dr Tim video pops up saying nitrite matters doesnt really address a thousand other search returns saying it doesnt. make a decision based on a short search and read about nitrites in reefing.

I totally understand that nitrites are fine for saltwater fish. I just think it is a good habit to measure all levels. For example, If I have a high spike of nitrites, wouldnt it be safe to expect that I would soon see a large spike of nitrates, which in turn would allow me to prepare for a larger than usual water change. I just dont think that it can hurt to know where my levels might be.

 

[Miller535]

Are there any other brand test kits besides API that is a little easier to read? The API kit for nitrite has two colors for 2ppm and 5+ppm that are nearly identical...I dont know if I am in good shape or in panic mode.

I like red sea.

 

[piranhaman00]

Are there any other brand test kits besides API that is a little easier to read? The API kit for nitrite has two colors for 2ppm and 5+ppm that are nearly identical...I dont know if I am in good shape or in panic mode.

API Nitrite is bomb, quick results that are easy to distinguish. Theres no reason to have some expensive NO2 test.

Its been 28 hrs since I said give it a week. You have to be patient

Do not do a water change until NO2 reads 0. Its going to take some time. Dont test again for 5 days

 

[brandon429]

I liked Lasses idea of building functional support webs of microbes for a reef before starting, there's much better coral growth and less dinos risk where a good feed web is in place. A speed- cycled setup has no base web and by the time one forms I bet api will read low nitrite, giving the overall confirmation you'd like to see.

Doesn't have to be zero (recurring theme for api) just down from a prior measure makes the kits useful. We can support corals using feed/ water change makeup as shown, there's no doubt though that using real live rock with base feed support in place is a pronounced boost over dry rock starts, though both house fish when ammonia is controlled.

Factor in fish disease protocols, fallow if selected, and even more wait time is expected but feeding and changing water is still a great habit; supports micro food webs.

 

[thenanoreefkeeper]

You didnt screw it up. Just be patient. IME you will be ready in 7 days.

Id like to let you know that you were almost right. Tank is cycled. I can clear 2 ppm ammonia in less that 24 hours.

 

[piranhaman00]

Id like to let you know that you were almost right. Tank is cycled. I can clear 2 ppm ammonia in less that 24 hours.

Awesome! But just because you can cycle 2ppm NH4 in 24hrs doesnt mean its cycled. Thats a myth Any amount of NH4 conversion shows cycled.

 

[thenanoreefkeeper]

Awesome! But just because you can cycle 2ppm NH4 in 24hrs doesnt mean its cycled. Thats a myth Any amount of NH4 conversion shows cycled.

So many myths I cant keep up...Anyways....Im adding two clowns tonight and im excited about that lol

 

[Lasse]

What's your nitrites?

Sincerely Lasse

 

[piranhaman00]

So many myths I cant keep up...Anyways....Im adding two clowns tonight and im excited about that lol

Maybe myths is the wrong word. There a lot of out dated thoughts that still surface. Similarly the thought the nitrates are BAD is no longer accepted as true. Nitrates are good, in fact essential, but in small amounts

What is your NO2 at? I personally wouldnt drop fish until NO2 is clear blue (0ppm)!

 

[brandon429]

confusing stuff yes agreed, forum cycling vs marine convention cycling at macna never seem to align.

 

[thenanoreefkeeper]

What's your nitrites?

Sincerely Lasse

They were zero. Everything dropped over night essentially and then I continued tests and everything went down to zero in about 14 hours. Water changed...nitrates at about 10 ppm, then added my fish. They are happy so far!

 

[Lasse]

Congratulations - you have a working nitrification process.
Sincerely Lasse