QT Tank adjustment

[pdiehm]

For those who have been following, my QT tank that I'm cycling has had sky high nitrites for 4 weeks (tomorrow). I have been using an Aquaclear 20 HOB filter, and in talking to various people, there's concern that there isn't enough media in that filter to house the amount of bacteria to consume the nitrites I have currently (well over 1ppm, probably closer to 3 or 4 ppm).

I had a ton of Amazon points, and was able to get an AC70 filter for $20. When setting this up, should I use the ceramic biomax material with the sponge, or one or the other?

Is there a preference?

I was hoping to have this 20 long cycled and ready for fish to quarantine prior to the display tank being ready but it appears the display tank, with 75lb of pukani rock will be ready for livestock within a week at the rate it's dropping ammonia and nitrite readings.

 

[Kyle461]

It has been reported that high nitrites can inhibit the growth of the bacteria that will consume the nitrites (ironic, I know). Have you tried a water change to lower the nitrites and allow the bacteria to catch up?

 

[pdiehm]

i was told by numerous people here, do not do a water change...I was going to, but was advised by...I presume folks who have a boatload more knowledge than I to not do a change.

 

[Kyle461]

No water change in the case that it's mid cycle. I would think that if it's stuck then something can be done to correct it. I may get corrected though but it makes sense that a water change could get the nitrites at a manageable level that the bacteria could handle and flourish in. That's only if the whole "high nitrites inhibit bacterial growth" thing is true.