CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

My Nitrite levels are consistently high (5.0) my ammonia and nitrate levels are fine...tried water changes but it never goes below 5.0 - any suggestions?

First off...how long has the tank been up and running? Are there fish in this tank? If the tank is fully cycled, then the nitrites should be down. If the tank is not fully cycled, try and get some filter media from a cycled tank. Sometimes the local LFS will give you some, or if you know someone that has a tank. Continue with the water changes, approximately 20%. If there are fish in this tank, dont overfeed....this will whack out your readings big time....overfeeding, over "pooping", etc. Sounds to me like the tank is either not cycled, or going through a mini cycle. Let us know. Good luck

You can also add Stress Zyme which will speed up the cycleing process.

High Nitrites can also be a result of an over populated tank. You do not mention the size of the tank and how many and what types of fish are in it. What type of filteration are you using?

In any case high Nitirtes are caused by excess bilogical waste.

Go buy a Magnum, water polishing filter. These things will remove tiny particles of unwanted waste and help in reducing Nitirtes. They also make your tank look like polished glass.