Nitrites are slowly increasing

[nick654377]

Our 65 gallon has been stable for 3 months and we added a RBTA but it has gone rouge about 3 weeks ago now. This was due to me moving rocks and ticking it off. Well I think it finally died instead of coming out. Would a dead nem cause nitrites to increase? I am around 0.25 do a 20 gal waterchange once a week.

Parameters are as follows
Temp 78*
PH 8.0
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrite 0.25 (Has always been zero)
Nitrate 20-30
Cal 430-450
Alk 9.1
Po4 0.15
Mg 1350


Again we do not have room for a sump so as much as I would love one we are getting this tank done and when we find a deal on a sumped 120 we like we plan to move to that.

 

[beehive124]

The dead nem could definitely cause a nitrate and nitrite spike. Any dead clean up crew members or fish? They could also cause nitrate and nitrite spike

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Aside from removing anything dead, nitrite is not a concern. It is not toxic in marine systems. Only freshwater aquarists should be worrying about it, IMO.