Nitrite high! Help!

[Mayank]

So we had a sudden wave of warmer weather and the ice and snow is all gone and I can see the fish after many weeks. They look ok but I decided to get levels today. Ammonia was 0.25 ish but nitrite was 0.5 ppm! Not sure what to do. Pump and waterfall etc is off.

 

[Mayank]

PH is 8.2

 

[Jhn]

Would add prime it will detoxify ammonia and nitrites start. I would turn the pumps on as long as there is no chance of any ice diverting water from the pond. What type of filter (bio/mechanical) do you have on the pond?

 

[WaterGardener]

A second to Prime or the powdered version, Safe. But the binding property it has will last only 48 hours, so it has to be dosed every other day.

Also, the tests will still show ammonia and nitrite, but it will be bound, so it won't harm the fish.

 

[Mayank]

Would add prime it will detoxify ammonia and nitrites start. I would turn the pumps on as long as there is no chance of any ice diverting water from the pond. What type of filter (bio/mechanical) do you have on the pond?

Would a pet store have it?

 

[Mayank]

Have a bio filter in the falls and I also use a second pump with an external filter unit. Both closed for winter right now.

 

[Mayank]

Is a Pondmax or something like that

 

[Jhn]

Would a pet store have it?

Yes the ones around me usually have it

 

[Mayank]

Yes the ones around me usually have it

Just to confirm. It is Seachem prime right?

 

[Jhn]

Just to confirm. It is Seachem prime right?

Yes

 

[Mayank]

Would add prime it will detoxify ammonia and nitrites start. I would turn the pumps on as long as there is no chance of any ice diverting water from the pond. What type of filter (bio/mechanical) do you have on the pond?

Just wanted to thank you again for such prompt help! You guys are awesome!

 

[Mayank]

A second to Prime or the powdered version, Safe. But the binding property it has will last only 48 hours, so it has to be dosed every other day.

Also, the tests will still show ammonia and nitrite, but it will be bound, so it won't harm the fish.

Just wanted to thank you for such prompt help! You guys are awesome!

 

[Mmathis]

Maybe, start your pump and filter back up. The bacteria in the biofilter will help.

 

[Mayank]

I will do that on the morrow! Thank you!

 

[Mayank]

Maybe, start your pump and filter back up. The bacteria in the biofilter will help.

Hey this is crazy. just did levels again with a new kit that we bought today because I thought maybe the other fluids from last years kit were corrupted or expired or whatever. Nitrite and nitrate are ZERO(???????) With the new kit. Both are api master test kits