NOLAunderwater

I am new to this. I am sorry if I am repeating things that have already been said. I looked all over and couldnt find a good explanation.

Had the tank going with fish since 12/27. All the levels checked out fine. Did a 8 gallon water change a couple days ago (3 maybe). Now my levels of ammonia are 0, but my nitrites are sky high. Like in the red on my test chart (.5 or so)

I changed out water as soon as the test resulted bright red. But is there any explanation as to why the nitrites would suddenly be through the roof and the ammonia actually be fine?

Like I said, I am new to this. I am just concerned about the little guys in there. I dont want them to suffer because I'm still fish stupid.

Thanks! Sorry for the x-post.

Chief_waterchanger

http://www.fishlore.com/WaterChemistry.htm
http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

Direct quote from the first link under Nitrite: "The Nitrites will soar in your tank if it has not been cycled."

If it was not cycled it sucks that you have fish in there now, but the best thing you can do is read those two articles.

Good luck.

NOLAunderwater

Thats the thing though, it was cycled. I did the test and everything indicated that it was cycled. I even brought a water sample to the really reputable fish store for them to check and i was told it was good to go. And its been fine until yesterday.

susitna-flower

Hi, and WELCOME to FISHLORE...

I would NEVER take the word of a fish store employee that the tank was "good to go", unless they tell you what the numbers are for Ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. With the numbers, you can tell for yourself if it has completed the cycle.

If you don't have NITRATES between 5 &10 it ISN'T cycled. Also, the ammonia goes up, and nitrites will be down, until the bacteria develops to change the ammonia to nitrite...then the nitrite will soar, and the ammonia goes down....but until BOTH the ammonia and nitrite have been up, and then go down to 0, and the nitrate goes up, the tank isn't cycled.

Is this tank the same as in your signature?
The GBR in particular cannot live in water that hasn't been cycled. There are several issues with the fish that we can go into later, but for now you need to concentrate in waterchanges, and getting the tank and your fish through the cycle, so it is safe.

Did you use any product or method that introduced the right kind of bacteria to the tank to start the cycle?

NOLAunderwater

Yes, we used Cycle and another bottle that the fish guy reccommended. I dont remember what it was, but I remember thinking it stunk horribly.

We lost the Molly and about to lose a Dwarf Gourami.

All the numbers were fine when they checked it. I even had a ammonia/nitrogen chart thing that my fiance printed for me in my pocket and read it when the fish guy told me.

I did another water change today. I guess we will see from here. Is there anything I can do to help the fish until the water gets better?

CPVFD325

I find it hard to believe that youve only had your tank setup for 2 weeks and it is already cycled.....I just dont think you are familiar with the way the process works. I also used "Cycle" (not the greatest product) It took me about 3 weeks to completely cycle. Are you using the "Cycle" the way the bottle instructs? Because if you did, you would have just added your third and final "setup" dosage within the past day or so. the bottle states "approx. 2 capfuls per 10 U.S. gal. Repeat every 7 days for 2 weeks." Maybe you got lucky and it worked wonders and you are cycled.

...I do know this. I cycled my tank with fish.(some people HATE that I did it that way) When I went to buy my first few fish to cycle with I had them test my water. They said it was "Perfect! Better than our water here at the store" The tank had been setup the night prior to that.....So that tells me one of two things. Either the people at the LFS were lying. (which i doubt) OR certain tap water tests perfect.

I would study the "Nitrogen cycle" and read as much as you can here on the forum. and most importantly, Be Patient. thats the hardest part.

Good Luck!!

NOLAunderwater

I didnt set up the tank two weeks ago. I've had fish for two weeks. I set up my tank way before that. Like weeks. I did the whole cycle thing. Then I got the fish. Everything was fine until now.

CPVFD325

So, let me get this straight. Your tank cycled with "cycle" alone? with no fish? Did you feed the tank? or did you use pure ammonia? Because without fish producing waste (ammonia) or you adding waste (ammonia) your bacteria will have nothing to eat. Causing them to die and you then no longer have a cycled tank. I still believe there is something "fishy" (no pun intended) about your cycle.....

lilsoccakid

i would immedietly go buy a water conditioner called "prime". it keeps the ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in the tank, but makes them non-toxic, which really helps. They even say on the bottle, you can add up to 5 times the required amount in case of a nitrite emergency

CPVFD325

good advice. Prime is great stuff. That will help your fish make it, until you decide what your problem is.