nitrite?

[creech72]

My nitrite level is at .3mg/l. What are causes of this and how do I lower it to zero? Also ph is at 7.7mg/l. Can I use a buffer to raise this? And amonia is at 0.
20 gallon
15 lbs of lr
3inch live sand bed
10 turbo snails
10 blue leg hermits
1 small coney grouper (Not appropiate for this size tank, right?)
aqua clear filter
pc
Sorry I don't know all the acronyms.

 

[viet-tin]

how old is your set up?

 

[creech72]

7 months

 

[ivanfj]

Do you have anything died in this last week or in the last few days/?? I would also check your test kit as well. You may have your fishstore checks for you and see wat the reading is in there. As for raising the PH, you may use super buffer dkh. That would raise your PH up, but I wouldn't suggest you raising ur PH too quickly. Partial water changes would also help raising your PH.

 

[creech72]

Nothing has died in tank recently. I've been using a Tetra test kit and it's over a year old. What brand kit should I use? Also, lately I've been doing water changes with distilled water, is that bad? Thanks.

 

[bigarn]

Distilled water would be the second choice after RO water. I'd try testing with Salifert test kits.

 

[creech72]

Thanks!