N I T R I T E
What is nitrite?
Nitrite is a highly toxic pollutant which is produced by bacteria
during the breakdown of fish wastes and other organic materials.
Beneficial bacteria convert ammonia from decomposing materials and
fish wastes to nitrite.
What causes high nitrite?
Nitrites are most common in new tanks because there isn't enough
beneficial bacteria to remove it. It generally takes about 4-6 weeks
for this bacteria to build-up and mature.
Overfeeding and overcrowding your tank
can also lead to high nitrite levels. Filter media, which has been
washed in tap water or replaced with new, contain few bacteria and are
not able to remove much pollution. Do not change your filter media and
do a water change on the same day, this may remove too much bacteria
too quickly. If possible, we recommend only replacing
part of your filter media at one time. Also, when cleaning your
filters only rinse them off with water that has been taken out of your
aquarium.
How does it harm the fish?
Nitrite enters the blood of the fish at the gills and can harm the
fish in a number of different ways. Exposure to nitrite for long
periods makes the immune system less effective and the fish may start
to suffer from diseases.
How will I know if I have high Nitrite levels?
Affected fish may gasp or hang at the surface where the oxygen
content of the water is at its greatest. Your fish may breath more
rapidly, and may hold their fins close to their body. We have test kits available at our store which you can use to test
your aquarium periodically or when you first notice a possible
problem. Or, you can bring a sample of your aquarium water (approx.
one cup) into our store and we will test it for you at no charge.
What should I do if I have high nitrite?
Do a series of small water changes of about 10 - 25% everyday for
about 4 days. Stop feeding during this time. This will dilute the
concentration of nitrite in the water. Add an air stone to increase
the amount of oxygen in the tank.
NOTE:
The smaller the tank the quicker nitrite accumulates. The younger the
tank the less "good" bacteria you have to break down nitrite.
