EUREKA!! I HAVE NITRITES!!!!!
- Thread starter NickM
- Start date
Re: EUREKA!! I HAVE NITRITES!!!!!
The biowheel assists in developing natural bacteria which place a check on nitrites (convert to nitrates). However, new tanks and tanks w/newly added fish cannot develop the bacteria fast enough = thus creating high levels of nitrites. As you know, nitrites are horribly damaging to fish. Look for signs of dark purple patches on your fish.
Like Somonas said "your 1/2 way thru the cycle." However, I still believe you shouldn't just sit back and allow the nitrites to harm fish etc. etc. I recommend you get Nitra-Zorb. I recently had the same trouble. Nitra-Zorb is rechargeable = meaning it'll last a long while (if you follow the procedure to recharge) before needing replacement. It costs about $10 and is well worth the investment. It also assists with removing ammonia. Basically, it's in a filter bag and you can either let it sit on the bottom of your tank or, like myself, get a veggie clip w/a suction cup and place it beneath your filter. Hope this helps. *twirlysmiley*
The biowheel assists in developing natural bacteria which place a check on nitrites (convert to nitrates). However, new tanks and tanks w/newly added fish cannot develop the bacteria fast enough = thus creating high levels of nitrites. As you know, nitrites are horribly damaging to fish. Look for signs of dark purple patches on your fish.
Like Somonas said "your 1/2 way thru the cycle." However, I still believe you shouldn't just sit back and allow the nitrites to harm fish etc. etc. I recommend you get Nitra-Zorb. I recently had the same trouble. Nitra-Zorb is rechargeable = meaning it'll last a long while (if you follow the procedure to recharge) before needing replacement. It costs about $10 and is well worth the investment. It also assists with removing ammonia. Basically, it's in a filter bag and you can either let it sit on the bottom of your tank or, like myself, get a veggie clip w/a suction cup and place it beneath your filter. Hope this helps. *twirlysmiley*
Re: EUREKA!! I HAVE NITRITES!!!!!
You may want to rethink the neons. Many people think of them as a newbie fish, but I have read that because the way they are farmed, they are very stressed when the arrive at the pet store. They are raised (in the east) with lots of antibiotics and hormones - not the best conditions. Something to consider. I also heard that they are very particular about water conditions - but I would go look that up to be sure.
Best bet - for those colors - go with the cardinal tetras. They have more red on their bellies, so they are even more colorful than the neons. I'm not sure about the way these are raised, but it's probably pretty similar.
The krib has a good article on what's a good starter fish, what's a good intermediate fish, and so forth. The thing I like about that article is that they explain why they think they are easy, medium or difficult fish to keep. Myself, I like to hear the reason behind someone's opinion.
Anyway - good work!
You may want to rethink the neons. Many people think of them as a newbie fish, but I have read that because the way they are farmed, they are very stressed when the arrive at the pet store. They are raised (in the east) with lots of antibiotics and hormones - not the best conditions. Something to consider. I also heard that they are very particular about water conditions - but I would go look that up to be sure.
Best bet - for those colors - go with the cardinal tetras. They have more red on their bellies, so they are even more colorful than the neons. I'm not sure about the way these are raised, but it's probably pretty similar.
The krib has a good article on what's a good starter fish, what's a good intermediate fish, and so forth. The thing I like about that article is that they explain why they think they are easy, medium or difficult fish to keep. Myself, I like to hear the reason behind someone's opinion.
Anyway - good work!