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We just bought a Freshwater Master Test Kit from PetSmart today, and so far pH and Ammonia levels are good, Nitrate and Nitrite have me concerned. Need ideas on how to reduce those levels. His filter is working great so far, we have an ammonia reducer and charcoal in it. Have read something about the Ceramic Rings, we got stuff called Turtle Clean that is supposed to reduce the level of Organic Waste, will this help with nitrites/nitrates? I haven't been able to really find good information about it yet.

What was the measurement? Ammonia breaks down to Nitrites then into Nitrates. What kind of filter are you using?

Ammonia was 0ppm
Nitrite was 5.0 Range 0-5.0
Nitrate was 40ppm Range 0-160 (which I read was an acceptable level?)

We are using the H.O.T. Magnum as a canister with the filter sleeve with ammonia reducer and charcoal media. (The Magnum where the impeller fits in was melted, so my hubby kind of jerry rigged it) He used a Powerhead for inlet/outlet water flow. It is working really good tank hasn't needed cleaning yet I was doing a full tank change every 5 days prior. We are looking at getting a Biowheel but just can't afford one right now. So not sure if I need to do partial tank changes or what I need to do to reduce those Nitrite levels.

I have that kit too, let me look up the manual...

OK, couldn't get to it, but if you want a beneficial bacteria colony, then you should pick up some ceramic rings or bio balls. It might take a while for it to develop but you can do partial water changes to bring down those levels. You don't need a biowheel, though the water does need to be agitated so you can get some oxygen in the water.

If you have biofiltration, it takes a few weeks for bb colonies to build up. The best way to lower the nitrate level is to do a partial water change (I try to not let nitrate levels go above 40 ppm).

Ammonia and nitrite levels in a tank should be zero. Nitrate can build up to high levels without being toxic but should be kept below 60ppm. Your nitrite levels are getting too high - 6ppm or more is no good so your range is getting dangerous.

To reduce nitrite levels in your tank, it needs to cycle (grow bacteria that convert the ammonia and nitrite to nitrates). This can take upwards of 3 weeks in a new tank and like Steve said, the bacteria need a place to grow, such as ceramic rings. If your tank is fairly new, then you will need to do partial water changes each day (about 10-20%) to lower the nitrite levels. You can also buy media for your filter that is made to lower ammonia and nitrite levels.

Just tested the tank again today (we put Turtle Clean in yesterday) and the results are:
Nitrate is down to 10ppm
Nitrite is down to 0ppm.

No other changes were made to the tank. YEAH!!!! I am a happy girl. I was very worried for a bit. Am still going to start partial tank changes to bring it down even lower. We are looking at getting some Ceramic rings.

Next Question: How often should the water be tested? I know it depends on how long the tank has been set up and such but for routine testing of everything (ph, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates). Anything else I should be testing for?

If you do partial changes weekly, I think you can skip the testing unless you just want to make sure.