Nitrite in tap water

[Vicki PS]

I have a new 16 gallon community tank thatshould be finished cycling.

Ammonia has been 0 for the last 9 days: pH stays around 8: nitrates
currently 10. The problem is the nitrite reading, which hasn't dropped
below 0.3. I have been doing frequent 20 - 25% water changes (had to treat
the tank for ick over the last 10 days, all clear now). I did a 25% water
change this morning, and the nitrite is still 0.3, same as it has been since
it peaked to 0.8 a week ago. (Water board monthly testing reports indicate
average GH of 5.6 (100ppm), KH 53ppm, total dissolved salts 255ppm. They
don't give nitrite & nitrate readings).

I tested my tap water. Two weeks ago, untreated tap water tested 0.1 for
nitrite. Today it tests at 0.3, same as the water in the tank: results are
the same for tap water after treatment with Safe Guard 5 water
conditioner/ager.

I'm at a bit of a loss to know how to tackle the nitrite. I'm running two
Resun mini internal power filters, and today also put in a small box filter
loaded with Seachem de*nitrate to see if that will help. I should be able
to cut back to weekly partial water changes now, and wonder if I can rely on
the biofilter to deal with the nitrite in the tap water, or if there's
anything else I can do?

I can't afford to buy an RO unit: is buying bottled "drinking" water for
water changes the only alternative? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Vicki PS

[Gunnie]

Vicki,
This may be a crazy idea, but since your tap water has nitrites
already in it, how about conditioning your water with amquel plus
when you do a water change, and then let your bio filter continue to
break it down further? The amquel plus will neutralize the nitrate
and also treat your tank for chlorine and chloramines. Since the
nitrite will be neutralized, it won't bother your fish while it is
being consumed by the bio bugs. I know this is what some people do
that have ammonia in their tap water.
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[Vicki PS]

"Gunnie" > wrote in message
...
> Vicki,
> This may be a crazy idea, but since your tap water has nitrites
> already in it, how about conditioning your water with amquel plus
> when you do a water change, and then let your bio filter continue to
> break it down further?

Sounds like a great idea, Gunnie. Unfortunately, doesn't look as though
Amquel+ is available in Australia.

Any idea if Seachem Prime would help?

Vicki PS

[Andy Hill]

"Vicki PS" > wrote:
>"Gunnie" > wrote in message
...
>> Vicki,
>> This may be a crazy idea, but since your tap water has nitrites
>> already in it, how about conditioning your water with amquel plus
>> when you do a water change, and then let your bio filter continue to
>> break it down further?
>
>Sounds like a great idea, Gunnie. Unfortunately, doesn't look as though
>Amquel+ is available in Australia.
>
>Any idea if Seachem Prime would help?
>
Prime will detoxify nitrites (per the label). It's what I use when I'm cycling
tanks.

[Vicki PS]

"Andy Hill" > wrote in message
...
> >
> Prime will detoxify nitrites (per the label). It's what I use when I'm
cycling
> tanks.

Thanks, Andy. Good to know it works.

Vicki PS