Skipping NO2 testing question

[ScottR]

If testing for ammonia and NO3 with favorable results (zero ammonia and NO3 <10), could I in theory skip testing for NO2. Its expensive and I’m testing for so many other things like alk, Ca, Mg etc.

 

[Instigate]

Testing nitrites is good to know but not a necessity imo. For one thing, they are not toxic to fish in the amounts found while initiating the nitrogen cycle. I don't even bother with nitrate, I just make sure the tank can process 2ppm of ammonia in 24 hours. If I can repeat that consumption two days in a row I consider the tank safe for a small initial bio-load. I wouldn't bother testing alk/ca/mg until I actually have some coral in the tank.

 

[Dkeller_nc]

Well, the nitrite test kit from Salifert is actually considerably cheaper than their other common test kits for nitrate, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium. But no, it's not necessary to monitor the cycle unless you are trying to cycle as fast as possible and want to monitor the reduction to zero throughout the entire nitrogen cycle from ammonia to nitrite to nitrate.

 

[ScottR]

Well, the nitrite test kit from Salifert is actually considerably cheaper than their other common test kits for nitrate, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium. But no, it's not necessary to monitor the cycle unless you are trying to cycle as fast as possible and want to monitor the reduction to zero throughout the entire nitrogen cycle from ammonia to nitrite to nitrate.

Thanks. That’s what I was thinking. Tank is cycled and I never get readings on nitrites. I was thinking if ammonia and nitrates were in check, most likely NO2 would be in check. As well.

 

[SPR1968]

Once the tank is cycled and up and running you don’t really need to test for nitrite unless you have a reason to do so.

I haven’t tested for either ammonia or nitrite in nearly 3 years

 

[Instigate]

Once the tank is cycled and up and running you don’t really need to test for nitrite unless you have a reason to do so.

I haven’t tested for either ammonia or nitrite in nearly 3 years

Oh ya, when I read the OP I assumed he was cycling a tank, if it's cycled nn to test nitrite at all.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don’t see any reason to test nitrite in an established reef, and its only slightly useful when cycling. In general, nitrite is not a concern.