nitrites stuck at 0.2 when cycling

[dave48]

Been cycling a new tank for 2 months now and my nitrites are stubbornly sticking at 0.2
I used a decaying prawn as ammonia source which has now disintrigated and have been dosing with liquid bacteria according to the instructions but cant get any further reduction in nitrites. any ideas?
with previous fish only tanks using dead prawn method I always got the nitrites back down to zero within a few weeks WITHOUT the use of additional, bacteria

 

[piranhaman00]

You are cycled

 

[dave48]

Last time round (admittedly 10 years ago) the thinking was that you needed 0 nitrites before adding fish.
Is that no longer the case?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Last time round (admittedly 10 years ago) the thinking was that you needed 0 nitrites before adding fish.
Is that no longer the case?

Correct, that is no longer the case, IMO. Concerns about nitrite are an inappropriate carry over from freshwater, where it is toxic, to seawater where it is not.

 

[dave48]

Thanks for the replies. I am currently plateau'd for the last month at ammonia 0.1, nitrites 0.2 and nitrates 5
to you reckon its safe to add a couple of clownfish?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for the replies. I am currently plateau'd for the last month at ammonia 0.1, nitrites 0.2 and nitrates 5
to you reckon its safe to add a couple of clownfish?

Yes.

 

[Tamberav]

Been cycling a new tank for 2 months now and my nitrites are stubbornly sticking at 0.2
I used a decaying prawn as ammonia source which has now disintrigated and have been dosing with liquid bacteria according to the instructions but cant get any further reduction in nitrites. any ideas?
with previous fish only tanks using dead prawn method I always got the nitrites back down to zero within a few weeks WITHOUT the use of additional, bacteria

Nitrites are not toxic in saltwater, just make sure ammonia is processed and you are good.

 

[PeterEde]

Last time round (admittedly 10 years ago) the thinking was that you needed 0 nitrites before adding fish.
Is that no longer the case?

In a marine aquarium NO2, NO3 are not as big an issue as they are in a fresh water aquarium. They become an issue when placing corals in as many prefer low NO3.