Uhm, what?

[LizzyP]

I did a 50% water change tonight w/gravel vacuum. I tested my water parameters and ammonia is 0ppm, however nitRITE is .25ppm. Why? How? What do I do to get it down to 0?

LizzyP

EDIT: So I redid another test, it's at 0ppm. What caused it to go up to .25ppm? The only thing I can think of is that I did the test but got sidetracked at didn't look at it until 10-15 minutes. Any suggestions? I'm worried...

[lvandert]

It's just the bacterial balance of the tank resetting itself. If you've cycled the tank and tested it through that you'd see the nitrites go up and then back down. I believe it's the beneficial bacteria doing its job. (I'm no expert on cycled tanks so if I'm wrong, someone please correct me)

[Oldfishlady]

Water test are time sensitive.....really important to read results within the allotted time.....

[thekoimaiden]

OFL is right. You really need to read them when the test says to. When I test my water, I will set timers on my phone or watch (whichever is more handy) to remind me to check.

[LizzyP]

Usually I'm good about doing it but my niece needed help in the bath. Can't deny a 7 year old help in the bath. Oh well.