Nitrites not going away

This +1

If your system is rapidly converting ammonia to nitrate you can add fish. As Randy points out, nitrites are terrible for fresh water fish, not so much for salt water. The chlorides in the water block the fish from absorbing nitrites. The other reason not to worry is that hobby level test kits aren't exactly accurate. Too many issues to cause false positives.

If you have ammonia dropping and nitrate climbing there are only two options. Either the nitrites are being converted to nitrate and it is a false positive or you have a massive number of nitrospira bacteria converting ammonia directly to nitrate. Either way, you are fine to add fish.
Thanks for the info!
 

HOW MUCH DOES A FISH’S FEEDING REQUIREMENTS AFFECT YOUR STOCKING DECISIONS?

  • A lot! - I avoid fish that require frequent or specialized feeding

    Votes: 16 32.7%
  • Quite a bit, but an automatic feeder can change my answer

    Votes: 6 12.2%
  • It depends on whether my nutrient export can handle it

    Votes: 7 14.3%
  • It depends on how badly I want the fish

    Votes: 11 22.4%
  • Not much. I’m willing to adjust my routine

    Votes: 9 18.4%
  • Not at all. Feeding demands don’t limit my stocking choices

    Votes: 8 16.3%
  • I usually learn about the demanding feeding schedule after buying the fish!

    Votes: 2 4.1%
  • I haven’t really considered this before

    Votes: 4 8.2%
  • Something else (see my comments in the thread)

    Votes: 1 2.0%
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