cycling question

[noles1]

My nitrites have been high for about 3 weeks now.I have diatoms all over the place.How long does it usually take for the nitrite to come down.

 

[goofieones]

Different for everyone. Mine took 10 days. Also depending on what is in your tank.

 

[cchung718]

mine took about 2 1/2 weeks. I guess it all depends on the size of filtration, media, and water flow.

 

[marine qa]

My nitrites were high for about 4wks, and two of those weeks I had allot of diatoms(brown algae). Then one day my nitrites dropped to zero. It happend fast.
My nitrates never rose. But, over the course of my cycle I had added 30lb LR to my 46g tank, and a 10g sump holding another 15lb LR and 20lb LS. I also used raw shrimp instead of fish to cycle. The combination may explain the zero nitrates.