What was the exact Nitrite reading, in PPM? Did he tell you?
You see, that's why I do my own test and learned about ammonia cycle, 'cause
fish stores like PetsMart and like hire all these kids, don't know crap,
they just sales man.
Every time I walk into these places, different person runs around in the
fish section, they come and go in the job.
When you change your water do a test, what is the PH reading?, What is the
Nitrite reading? I learned by testing, that a half tank water change didn't
reduce high Nitrite or if it did a bit, in a few days it was back high
again, because the gravel and filter also can hold fish waist or left over
food, converts over ammonia, nitrate and nitrite in short time.
When I found out my Nitrite was 70-80 PPM, I had to do 3/4 water change,
than 2x 50%, than one 1/4 tank water change and I had acceptable 20-30 ppm
Nitrite in my water. Than I found out, my city, tap water all ready has
about 15 ppm Nitrite in it to start with. So you should check that also.
5-6 fish can cost $15-$20 and they can be dead in a few days if the water is
not right. You could've invest that money into a water testing kit, last a
few years and have healthy fish and minimum loose.
Read this web sites about Nitrite poisoning!

http://www.angelfire.com/blues/fish_...POISONING.html
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/di...ritepoison.htm

Julius

"Fuzzy Orange" wrote in message
...
Szaki wrote:
PetsMart sells or can be bought on line, water testing kits. One I like,
has
5 small pads on it, (Quick Dip 5-N-1 Test Strips) Made by Jungle,
testing 5
different conditions, including Nitrites. You don't have to be rocket
scientist, just match the colors. Cost about $12, mine lasted all most 2
years, depends how frequently do the test.

Bit more expensive in the UK

But theres a local pet place that does free water testing
Took some today and the guy said that the ammonia was ok -slightly above 0


But said the nitrate or nitrite was too high
came up mid way on his scale instead of 0

He told me not to change the water because that would make it worse??
Just told me to leave it for a week and then change 20% of water and to
hoover all the old food and fish poo from the stones...!

Does that sound at all right?