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About Nathan
Expertise
I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out. I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!

Experience
I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible. What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!

Education/Credentials
I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.

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Freshwater Aquarium - Nitrite is high in freshwater tank

Expert: Nathan - 11/2/2009

Question
To: Nathan

I have 55 gallon fish tank. I have discus fish and angel fish in the tank. I notice my Nitrite is 5.0 and the ph is 6.4. I have try not to feed the fish for 1 day only and change the water 15 gallon already. Also I input stability in the tank. The tmeperature is 84 degree. What else I can do to reduce the Nitrite level. I have driftwood and live plant in the tank.

Answer
Hi Alice,

How long has this tank been set up? Judging from the fact that you have Discus fish, I'll assume that you are at least a fishkeeper with a good amount of experience. Nitrite can be high because of many reasons - the main cause is that the tank is still cycling (going through the nitrogen cycle). if this tank is older than 4 months, this is very unlikely. However, if you manage to destroy some of the beneficial bacteria living in your filter/tank, this can also cause high nitrites.

Have you done any of the following things recently?

-Changed much of the filter media
-Replaced the substrate
-Added a chemical such as snail killer, anti-bacterial medication, etc?
-Changed more than 50-75% of the water?
-Completely stripped down and cleaned the tank? (worst case scenario!!!!)
Completely cleaned out the filter?

If yes, then there's a good chance that you killed off a large number of beneficial bacteria. Don't worry - in about a week or two, they will re-establish and you will have zero nitrites again. For now, perform a 10% water change daily, until it's under control. Discus will NOT tolerate a high Nitrite level!!! Right now, perform a 30% water change.

If necessary, you can add a nitrite-removing chemical (only if REALLY necessary!) if the levels keep going up (unlikely). These are available at your local fish store, but remember - water changes are best!

Good luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

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