Nitrite levels...again

[Irenea]

My tank water readings are Ph 7.6. Ammonia and Nitrate 0. Nitrite between 2 and 5 ppm. I change 20% water each week but have decided to up this to 2x a week to try and lower Nitrite. Could someone please advise if this is the correct thing to do and also although I know Nitrite level high, is it high enough to harm my axi.

We have a filter that aits on side of tank. I have been taking them out and rinsing them. Should I be doing this. Also have a wee brush/sponge type thing on filter in tank. Also rinse it during water changes. Is this the right thing to do.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[HayleyK]

Nitrite is the most harmful out of the three chemicals.

You need to be doing daily water changes to get it at a livable levels. Once or twice a week is not good enough.

If you are rinsing the filter and the media (sponges) in tap water you are killing your beneficial bacteria and need to stop this immediately. To rinse filters or media do it in tank water I.e during water change clean it in the bucket of water you are disposing. You do not need to do this with every water change. I only do it every couple of water changes or until I notice it looks rather gunky.

 

[Irenea]

Thanks for the advice. Will follow it through.

 

[HayleyK]

And probably more than 20% a day. I would be more inclined to do double.

 

[Kaini]

Seconded, by rinsing your filter media you are killing off your beneficial bacteria that facilitate the nitrogen cycle.

Here's an article on tank cycling to help you understand just why: Scales Tails Wings and Things, What is Aquarium Cycling? How to Cycle your Tank

You need to be doing water changes until the nitrite falls to under .5 ppm - anything higher is harmful.