New HelloReef tank. Low Ammonia, high nitrites.

[Sunnlion]

I've been cycling my new 15 gallon HelloReef AIO anemone/clownfish tank for about 3 weeks following their guide. It seems it should only take about a week to complete this part of the cycle, but mine seems to be taking longer. I am new to saltwater, and unfamiliar with this process outside of some reading and videos. At the end of the first week, ammonia and nitrites were off the chart. I believe I added too much fish food. Ammonia levels finally came down a few days ago, but nitrite levels remain high. I added another dose of recommended bacteria and did a 25% water change. Should I just continue to be patient, or correct something I'm doing wrong? Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I've been cycling my new 15 gallon HelloReef AIO anemone/clownfish tank for about 3 weeks following their guide. It seems it should only take about a week to complete this part of the cycle, but mine seems to be taking longer. I am new to saltwater, and unfamiliar with this process outside of some reading and videos. At the end of the first week, ammonia and nitrites were off the chart. I believe I added too much fish food. Ammonia levels finally came down a few days ago, but nitrite levels remain high. I added another dose of recommended bacteria and did a 25% water change. Should I just continue to be patient, or correct something I'm doing wrong? Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Nitrite is not toxic to marine fish at levels that you would ever see in a tank, it's ammonia that you need to worry about. Since you've passed the ammonia stage, I wouldn't worry too much. Nitrite levels often become "stuck", I just ignore them.