Nitrite Stall @ 26ppb (1 Viewer)

[WillyD530]

Looking for advice, I have been trying to fully cycle my tank and am struggling, as it has stalled for weeks at 26ppb(Hanna). I have done water changes, tried dosing microbactor7 once, and have seen no change. Please Help! 75G IM

 

[Specsgirl]

Tell us a little bit more about your tank. How long have you had the tank up and running? How big of a water change did you do?

 

[Varig]

Did you start with totally dry rock? I don’t know if 26 ppb is concerning, that would only be 0.026ppm right? I did my cycle with standard API test kits. Those read 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 ppm. So there is no way I could have even discerned 0.03ppm. So maybe it’s okay?

My biggest advice would just be to get somebody from The for a couple pieces of rubble. That will get you a better start than anything. I would offer. But I’m just getting over some weird bacteria things and would not want to start you off on the wrong foot.

 

[WillyD530]

Tell us a little bit more about your tank. How long have you had the tank up and running? How big of a water change did you do?

The tank was started at the beginning of August with dry sand, dry rock and microbactor7. I have everything documented and it appears I hit that 26PPB around October 1. It has fluctuated up and down ever since which is worrisome to me, especially with my first and new tank. Just wanna start off on the right foot here. I have UV running on a 75 IM Nuvo. I didn’t do a large water change to try and get it over this hump and it has not seemed to change anything. Yes, I am aware. This is not very much but is it enough to stop someone from putting coral in or worry about it? Just hate to spend hundreds on coral only for it to die off due to this issue. Aside from that everything appears to be coloring nicely, and I am fairly clean all around.

 

[Dadzilla11]

I have some rubble and crush aragonite I can give you..

 

[Crum]

There is always going to be some nitrite in your system. I don't find it necessary to test with such a low range tester because it will just cause unnecessary concern when it shows that small amount + there is usually a pretty wide range of error on those things at low values.

Nitrite is also not toxic to fish in saltwater unless it's ridiculously high. You'll be fine, sounds like it's cycled.

26ppb is effectively 0 as far as you should be concerned!

 

[Varig]

I’m sure there are all sorts of methods, but while the tank is getting established a UV might not be the best move. It may just kill off any bacteria that are in the water column as they’re going around to try to populate the tank. Again, many methods, so if you have a good one to follow, don’t mind me .

Regarding corals, there are many schools of thought there as well. If you’re thinking easier corals then I think many people would say you can dump those in almost immediately, because the bacteria on the coral/plugs will help with the cycle. Others argue to wait for 3-6 months with the lights off to let the bacteria get established before you turn on the lights. I’d say you’re probably good to add some easier starter corals (a few) and focus on really watching your parameters to keep things as stable as possible.

Got any pics? Or would you consider a build thread so we can follow along?

Cheers!

 

[WillyD530]

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

 

[Dadzilla11]

I have a kenya tree, cabbage coral, and a few mushrooms if you want them

 

[WillyD530]

I have a kenya tree, cabbage coral, and a few mushrooms if you want them

Any pics? Not trying to do too much at once.

 

[Dadzilla11]

Sure can say tommorro afta noon