Post-Cycle Water Change and Adding Livestock

[ecas12]

I recently posted in this forum to confirm that my cycle was complete (which it was, yay!). During my time watching for my cycle to complete, I dosed ammonia every day up to 2 ppm for around 2 weeks, which means by the end of my cycle my nitrates were really high (and I still have high nitrites; I could not confirm an exact number except for above 1 ppm and potentially 5 ppm if we trust Saltwater API tests). Anyway, I ended up doing 5 separate water changes because I don't have the equipment to do one 100% water change (my system is 90 gal). I did 2 separate 30% water changes, a 50% water change, and an additional 30% water change, and now when I test my nitrates, they seem to be at a good level (~25 ppm based on the Red Sea Test Kit). However, I still have high nitrites based on a maxed out reading of my Red Sea and Saltwater API test kit. I know eventually these will be consumed by the bacteria in the tank, and I only found out today that nitrate readings will be inaccurate with nitrites still present. I have a feeling that my nitrites are at a very high level, but I don't have any way to confirm of their exact level. I am getting antsy and want to add my two clowns that have been quarantining for awhile now, but am unsure if this is safe. Do I have to wait for the nitrites to completely bottom out, or is it worth it to buy a high range nitrite test kit (do those even exist?)? Or should I just keep performing large water changes until all toxic parameters are low? My ammonia recently registered at .07 ppm (using a Hanna Checker), so I am not worried about that at all.

 

[Dan_P]

I recently posted in this forum to confirm that my cycle was complete (which it was, yay!). During my time watching for my cycle to complete, I dosed ammonia every day up to 2 ppm for around 2 weeks, which means by the end of my cycle my nitrates were really high (and I still have high nitrites; I could not confirm an exact number except for above 1 ppm and potentially 5 ppm if we trust Saltwater API tests). Anyway, I ended up doing 5 separate water changes because I don't have the equipment to do one 100% water change (my system is 90 gal). I did 2 separate 30% water changes, a 50% water change, and an additional 30% water change, and now when I test my nitrates, they seem to be at a good level (~25 ppm based on the Red Sea Test Kit). However, I still have high nitrites based on a maxed out reading of my Red Sea and Saltwater API test kit. I know eventually these will be consumed by the bacteria in the tank, and I only found out today that nitrate readings will be inaccurate with nitrites still present. I have a feeling that my nitrites are at a very high level, but I don't have any way to confirm of their exact level. I am getting antsy and want to add my two clowns that have been quarantining for awhile now, but am unsure if this is safe. Do I have to wait for the nitrites to completely bottom out, or is it worth it to buy a high range nitrite test kit (do those even exist?)? Or should I just keep performing large water changes until all toxic parameters are low? My ammonia recently registered at .07 ppm (using a Hanna Checker), so I am not worried about that at all.

You can determine the nitrite level by diluting the aquarium water with new saltwater and measuring the nitrite of that mixture.

 

[Lavey29]

Nitrites are irrelevant to a cycled tank and fish.

 

[Jekyl]

The API test isn't going to be accurate testing nitrite while nitrate is available. Either way I would do 1 more change. Nitrate at 25 is still high when it's a good time to get it down. One 50% change now will be easier to manage down the road. Don't want them high when the uglies start kicking in.

 

[AFHokie]

Nitrites are irrelevant to a cycled tank and fish.

Ditto.

In freshwater nitrites are very toxic. In saltwater they are not at any level we would see in our tanks. As long as your ammonia is oxidizing your are good.

 

[TWYOUNG]

I recently posted in this forum to confirm that my cycle was complete (which it was, yay!). During my time watching for my cycle to complete, I dosed ammonia every day up to 2 ppm for around 2 weeks, which means by the end of my cycle my nitrates were really high (and I still have high nitrites; I could not confirm an exact number except for above 1 ppm and potentially 5 ppm if we trust Saltwater API tests). Anyway, I ended up doing 5 separate water changes because I don't have the equipment to do one 100% water change (my system is 90 gal). I did 2 separate 30% water changes, a 50% water change, and an additional 30% water change, and now when I test my nitrates, they seem to be at a good level (~25 ppm based on the Red Sea Test Kit). However, I still have high nitrites based on a maxed out reading of my Red Sea and Saltwater API test kit. I know eventually these will be consumed by the bacteria in the tank, and I only found out today that nitrate readings will be inaccurate with nitrites still present. I have a feeling that my nitrites are at a very high level, but I don't have any way to confirm of their exact level. I am getting antsy and want to add my two clowns that have been quarantining for awhile now, but am unsure if this is safe. Do I have to wait for the nitrites to completely bottom out, or is it worth it to buy a high range nitrite test kit (do those even exist?)? Or should I just keep performing large water changes until all toxic parameters are low? My ammonia recently registered at .07 ppm (using a Hanna Checker), so I am not worried about that at all.

My tank has been cycled for months and reads 0.07 ammonia so I think that’s fine, as do my fish. Not sure about the nitrites but I waited for them to disappear. Be advised they can go from high to ZERO in a day. Cycled my tank similarly to you and experienced the same nitrate spike, >75 Hanna. Wish someone had warned me bc I was shocked. For some reason it never occurred to me the ammonia I was adding would end up as high nitrates in the tank. I rushed to do a near 100% water change which brought it down to eleven. Held there briefly then began dropping on its own. Now I’ve been at ZERO for weeks and can’t get it to budge.

 

[ecas12]

Ditto.

In freshwater nitrites are very toxic. In saltwater they are not at any level we would see in our tanks. As long as your ammonia is oxidizing your are good.

Ah ok, I didn't know this, thanks for the info! I am going to do another water change as mentioned by Jekyl, and I'll start the stocking.