nitrate/nitrite question

[sawtydog]

i have been doing 15 gal water changes for the past three weeks on my 75 gal tank, the nitrite and nitrate levels are going down some nitrites were 3.3 now 1.6 nitrates were 110 now 50. should i try to get them down faster or am i just worrieing to much? and they will get there soon enough. i don't want to hurt the fish.

 

[spanko]

You should not be showing nitrite in a tank that is cycled. How long has your tank been set up?

 

[sawtydog]

this is the 6th week for it. i know now that i shouldn't have used fish but i didn't discover this site until i had already started the tank

 

[geridoc]

What kind of fish are in the tank? Whatever the kind of fish, do not do any water changes - nitrites are necessary to feed the bacteria so that they will increase in number and prevent future dangerous nitrogen surges. The levels of nitrite will go down by themselves, and you will be left with nitrates, which can then be lowered by a variety of techniques.

 

[granny]

Nitrites are deadly to MOST fish even in small amounts. Do you have damsels in there that you used to cycle your tank? People did this commonly years ago, using the tough little damsels, but then you need to return them to the fish store to add the fish you REALLY want! Poor little guys.
I would suggest purchasing some Amquel which locks up the nitrite and nitrates temporarily while you are continueing your water changes.