nitrite reading why?

[SnarfCat]

all my levels are fine ex nitrite. its about .25 why?

 

[Dre]

A newly setup tank, incorrect reading or not enough biological bacteria...

 

[KathyC]

You would have a nitrite level because something in your tank caused ammonia to be created and the nitrite is eliminating the ammonia (before it is eliminated by the nitrate).

Can you tell us more about your tank ...it's age, size, bioload and equipment?

 

[SnarfCat]

i c. I added some bacteria "microbe lift" to the tank. also some snails died last week and i let the hermits eat em

 

[SnarfCat]

should i do a water change or just let the tank level out?

 

[Dre]

something in your tank caused ammonia to be created and the nitrite is eliminating the ammonia (before it is eliminated by the nitrate).

Can you tell us more about your tank ...it's age, size, bioload and equipment?

As Kathy said ..

 

[SnarfCat]

ok here it is. This is a FOWLR
30gal tank
20 lbs BRS Eco rock
30lbs of live sand

hang on aqua clear filter( i removed every thing and run it with just chemi-pure and filter floss. heater, small ;power head for water movment up top.

weekly: 5 gallon water changes

No dosing of anykind

Saddleback clown
purple fire fish
false per
small Bi-color angel

I'm gonna upgrade to a sump and skimmer in the next two months. I don't plan on adding anything else. By the summer it will go reef. Tank is running since october.

 

[KathyC]

Which Microbe Lift product did you add- specifically?
I'd bet it was Special Blend?
That product will raise your nitrite level as it intentionally contains nitrifying bacteria (which is why it does what it is advertised to do..lowers ammonia levels and degrades organic waste)

Be sure not to overdo it when adding a product like this

I'd leave the tank alone, no extra water change until you are due for your next regular water change.

Have any pics to share with us Snarf?

 

[SnarfCat]

no pics right now. THANX FOR THE HELP

 

[basiab]

5 gallons a week is a bit much for a 30 gallon.
Anyway, with that much being changed I don't see how only the nitrites would show up. I would guess a bad testing agent.

 

[KathyC]

5 gallons a week is a bit much for a 30 gallon.
Anyway, with that much being changed I don't see how only the nitrites would show up. I would guess a bad testing agent.

Sam - he has nitrites because he is dosing Special Blend. That stuff IS nitrates in a bottle! (yes, it will do it's job, but it will slightly raise your nitrite level when dosing it, especially using too much of it)