Help needed with nitrite levels

I really need some help.
I have been going thru the forum and have found some help: bigsmile:
I have done the water changes (Twice in two days) and have the levels again. STILL HIGH.

I have almost tried everything and THINK the problem is with the filter setup.
I have a Boyu EFU-45 filter and was told to set up as follows:
First: one layer filter mesh. First basket: White stone (porous) sold with filter. Second basket: Remainder of stone and filled with ceramic rings. Third basket: Remainder if rings. last basket had some mesh in and i was given a small bag to place on top as told by the sales guy.

Is this correct? Do i need more filter stuff? can it be fixed?

I am new to this "new age filters" and not sure of all the specs. the sales guy told me this is all i need.

I used to have small filters in my tanks with the undergravel filter.

The tank did go thru the cycle as explained on the forum before i added any fish.

Please help!!

 

Whats the size of your tank? Livestock etc... Then we may be able to help.
Just keep up the water changes. And what tester are you using?

 

250 L boyu tank with 16 small Malawi and no live plants.

Using Sera NO2 test kit.

No effects on fish yet but do not want to take chances.

 

Which readings is giving you headaches?

 

Maybe the kit is not accurate? Take some water to the LFS and let them test and confirm ...

Later Ferdie

 

Can you explain how you cycled the tank? A lot of people get confused thinking they have cycled the tank but have in fact just had an empty tank for a week.

 

http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?245-Nitrogen-Cycle-for-Aquariums

 

Well maybe we should rather ask What are the actual readings?

Maybe your perception of high readings is way off?

 

@f-fish I know he said he followed the instructions but sometimes people misunderstand the whole thing and this is where problems come in. I have heard people say the tank was cycled because it stood for a month with no fish but without the addition of ammonia that is just like having a glass of water stand for a month

 

@FishRMan - indeed .. almost feel like we need a mind map for how to ask questions and things to check before and after. I like xmind if anybody feels creative and wants to spend some time putting one together ;-)

Later Ferdie

 

Thanks for all the help guys.:bigsmile:

I followed your advice and took some water to the LFS yesterday. Their test confirm the level not high at all. Not sure what wrong with the test kit. Did the test twice to make sure:evil:

I use the link from f-fish to make sure i did everything right or close to it. The salesman at the LFS did explain the process as well and also gave me some liquid that i had to put in daily for seven days. Before i added the fish i tested the water with a test strip my father in law used and all looked fine. Well and still is according to LFS.:wondering:

The reading on the test kit showed that "red" water is not good for fish. The water I tested almost blood red. Well it was very dark

I also thought that I misunderstood and that is why I made sure to check the link f-fish posted. What the sales dude told me and what i did is very close to what it says there.

I was worried that I "loaded" the filter wrong. It is the first time i have worked with a filter like this. I used to use one or two small "corner filters". What the sales guy told me and what the box said was not the same. I followed his advice due to the fact that "he won't mislead me" (also told me to use rough gravel and not fine :evil

After the LFS confirmed the water is fine I felt better, because i could not understand why, if the readings so high, the fish was unaffected. No odd symptoms was shown by any of the fish.

Thanks again for all the help and advice offered.

TASA and its members does make this hobby so much more fun.

 

Sera kits are known to be inaccurate. Also check the expiry date of the kit you have.