The Puffer Forum

Okay, I tested my water parameters recently and noticed that my Nitrite spiked. I thought it was no big deal and I just did a 50% water change but it is still way too high. I'm very worried and don't know what to do. Also, I am using test strips and I know how inaccurate they can be so, do you guys think that it is the strips. So, please, Help!

Strips tend to be pretty inaccurate. If you can, get liquid drop kits. Alternatively, or in the meantime, take a sample to the store to test (they should do it for free) and tell them you need exact numbers, not "good" or "fine" or anything like that.

How long has the tank been set up? Any new additions?

Boxermom hit it right on the head.

In the mean time, to make yourself feel better, keep up those water changes and if you have it, use Amquel or Prime to help detoxify the nitrites a bit. They aren't as dangerous as ammonia, but still aren't good for the fish.

Myaj wrote:They aren't as dangerous as ammonia

Well, thats good to know. Also, I have no new additions, just my GSP that I got after the tank had finished cycling. The tank has been set up for about a month. Also, someone told me to use a product called nitra-zorb, would anyone reccommend this? Would 20% water changes a day help?Anyone else's advice would be greatly appreciated.

How high did your test strip say it it? How did you cycle the tank? I would do 80% daily water changes, until it reaches 0 & stays there.

Is your tank a full marine tank? If so, do you run a filter and how much do you feed?

Nitrites should always be absent. As soon as even the strips show some color, there probably is something wrong with your biological filtration. Probably not enough nitrogen input during cycling.

In addition to a large water change I'd add live bacteria from a running filter with the same salinity or BioSpira. That should solve the nitrite problem far better and instantly than absorbing media given your tank is large enough to support your puffer.

The only "products" I'd recommend are Primel, Amquel or BioSpira, the others make me nervous.

Definately keep doing large water changes, it should catch up to you quickly.

Are you using any filtration products or water additives now? Sometimes they can mess with your cycle.

Bonnie: My tank is not fully marine, but I am slowly rising the salinity for the health of my GSP.

Myaj: Are Primel and Amquel filter media products, how well do they work?

PufferPunk: The strips read the nitrite levels at 10.0, but I highly doubt they are accurate. But I am still worried.

I never knew a $5 fish could cause so much stress

Prime is a dechlorinator with the ability to detoxify ammonia and nitrite without stopping the good bacteria from getting them, it's the best way to protect your fish from the remaining toxins after your daily water changes. Amquel is the same thing, but with more of a risk of overdose, but people who can't get prime easily use it often, as it's better than the rest of whats out there. They are added to the tank directly in liquid form, and work nearly instantly.

Also moved to the hospital, as any fish in the tank are in grave danger, and so anyone only checking that section might see and help.

How quickly are you raising the s.g. and how are you testing for it? If you're raising by more than 0.002/week, then you could have killed off beneficial bacteria and started a mini- or re-cycling of the tank.

(Sorry if you already knew this, just thought I'd throw it out there just in case this is what happened)

Would you be able to buy Primel at maybe Petco, or only at the lfs?
Nusquam: I have been raising the SG by .002, and I have been measuring with an Instant Ocean hydrometer.

You should be able to get Prime at Petco.

Make sure you ask for Prime if you have to, not Primel. I have never heard of Primel and a doubt your local petco will have either