spike in nitrite/ammonia

rc cola

New Member
Hello,
I have a new tank, about 6 weeks old and I just added a Coral Beauty and 2 rock anemones yesterday, I tested the water before this and the only think that was high was the nitrate level which was about 20.
Today, I tested my water because it was cloudy when i got home and both my nitRITE and Ammonia level went up.
Here are the levels
Ammonia - .25 ppm ( 0 Yesterday)
Nitrite - .25 ppm ( 0 Yesterday)
pH - 8.0 (same)
nitrate - 20 ppm (same)
Also it looks like the back wall of my tank had a sudden bloom of alge
can anyone help me as to what is going on? Is it the stress on the fish?
Thanks!
 

nordy

Active Member
How did you cycle your new tank? If it was done correctly, one fish should not overtax your bacteria too much. As nitrite and then nitrate levels follow increased ammonia levels, it sounds like your cycle is working. Even when the beneficial bacteria is working, any new live stock introduction will cause ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates to increase until the bacteria population increases to match the supply of food (ammonia). That can take awhile, especially with a new tank. Sounds like you need to do a good sized water change also as 20ppm nitrate is kinda high.
 

rc cola

New Member
I cycled the tank with live rock, live sand and then 2 chromis. They also sold me this packet of live backteria to put in the water too. Th elive sand is about 4 inches deep and so far I have about 30lbs of live rock. It is a 50 gal tank.. I plan on getting more live rock soon
 
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