High nitrites 90gallon.

[Hotch]

So, I switched to a 90 from a 30, I had 20-40ppm nitrates in the 30, and near zero nitrites, now with the 90 gallon, it's the other way around, I'm not seeing anything for nitrates, but my nitrites are reading at 1ppm, light pink. Should I be concerned, and what actions should I take aside from water changes?

 

[CoralB]

 

[CoralB]

How long has this tank been up and cycling ? . How is your ammonia etc.?

 

[Hotch]

Everything, including sand and water went into new tank, maybe 2 months. New filter also, switched to canister filter from back hangs, it hasn't gone past 1ppm nitrites, but I need rates, not rites, lol

 

[CoralB]

When you changed out the filter did you remove the material that contained your bacterial bed . To me it sounds like your tank isn’t fully cycled yet . Do you have rock in your tank besides the sand and you didn’t mention if you had ammonia present ?

 

[CoralB]

You should have 0 nitrites , and 0 ammonia! , nitrates is preference but should be between 5-20ppm

 

[Hotch]

When you changed out the filter did you remove the material that contained your bacterial bed . To me it sounds like your tank isn’t fully cycled yet . Do you have rock in your tank besides the sand and you didn’t mention if you had ammonia present ?

The filtration system was completely new, I have live rock, and have been treating with stress zyme, and water conditioners to remove any ammonia and kick start the bio filter better.

 

[CoralB]

I would hold off on the water conditioner and stick with the bacteria until your tank fully cycles .you need a food source for good bacteria to grow and multiply enough to handle the bio load and if you neutralize the bio load , the good bacteria won’t grow . You want the ammonia zero out on it’s own . There are many ways to cycle a tank . Dr Tim has a good method as well .Personal when I cycle I use microbactor 7 and a dead shrimp from the grocery store .i wish you the best of luck and if your patient it shouldn’t take too much longer , keep up with water changes and remember when your ready to stock your tank do it gradual to allow for the good bacteria to compensate with the added bioloads .