I just got home from my LFS and I didn't get anymore gravel. The guy that works there and has for a long time said to get some bio spira (spelled wrong I know) and add it to the tank. He said for me to do water changes every other day. He said that when I do a 50% water change I am bringing the nitrite level from 5.0 to 2.5. He said "diloution of the pollution is the solution". He said that a tank can sometimes take up to 8 weeks with the amount of fish I have. He said that no matter what.. do not siphon the gravel bed. I don't have a dirty gravel bed anyway because of the catfish and algae eater, plus the undergravel filter with a powerhead. I don't overfeed either. So he says to keep up with the water changes and get the bio spira. He said that the bio spira will help the nitrifying bacteria to grow faster since that is what bio spira is. He also said that I should see the nitrites decine over the next few weeks after adding the bio spira and water changes.
the current readings were 5.0 for nitrites, ammonia 0.0, and nitrates 20
so I will keep you updated. again I know PITA DG!
the current readings were 5.0 for nitrites, ammonia 0.0, and nitrates 20
so I will keep you updated. again I know PITA DG!