Reef Sanctuary - View Single Post - Nitrite Spike Post-Cycle?!

kennykimny · 02-05-2008, 01:43 AM

I recently finished my nitrogen cycle in my 29 gallon FOWLR tank. The following readings were stable by the end of the cycle:

Temp: 79.5 degrees
pH: 8.1
Nitrite: 0
Ammonia: 0
Nitrate: 15 ppm

I have about 8 pounds of live rock, 4 pounds of dead rock, 2 clowns, 3 green chromis, and 1 blue damsel in the tank. The tank was stable.

Then, I added my clean up crew a few days ago: 2 peppermint shrimp, 1 emerald crab, 5 hermit crabs, and a dozen snails. I did a 25% water change yesterday. I did a reading today, with the following results:

Temp: 80.2 degrees (intentionally raised)
pH: 8.1
Nitrite: 0.75
Ammonia: 0
Nitrate: 15 ppm

What gives? I don't understand how Nitrite spiked, when ammonia was still at zero. Any help is much appreciated!

Also:

I have a question about doing water changes. I would like to age my water one full day before introducing it to the tank, but how do I get the temperature (which would most like be at a cool 66-68 degrees since I keep it cool in my room) back up to 80 degrees? I do not have an extra heater...

Thanks again!

02-05-2008, 01:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
kennykimny Tunicate Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2 View Gallery Karma Komment	Nitrite Spike Post-Cycle?! I recently finished my nitrogen cycle in my 29 gallon FOWLR tank. The following readings were stable by the end of the cycle: Temp: 79.5 degrees pH: 8.1 Nitrite: 0 Ammonia: 0 Nitrate: 15 ppm I have about 8 pounds of live rock, 4 pounds of dead rock, 2 clowns, 3 green chromis, and 1 blue damsel in the tank. The tank was stable. Then, I added my clean up crew a few days ago: 2 peppermint shrimp, 1 emerald crab, 5 hermit crabs, and a dozen snails. I did a 25% water change yesterday. I did a reading today, with the following results: Temp: 80.2 degrees (intentionally raised) pH: 8.1 Nitrite: 0.75 Ammonia: 0 Nitrate: 15 ppm What gives? I don't understand how Nitrite spiked, when ammonia was still at zero. Any help is much appreciated! Also: I have a question about doing water changes. I would like to age my water one full day before introducing it to the tank, but how do I get the temperature (which would most like be at a cool 66-68 degrees since I keep it cool in my room) back up to 80 degrees? I do not have an extra heater... Thanks again!