The nitrite level is high in my ten gallon tank that has only 14 fry in it...?

Question

I did a 80% water change and put in new water and the nitrite level was still high, not as high as before but still in the danger level. Why would it be and how can I drop it before I lose the babies?

Answer 1

Your tank has not completely cycled.  Changing out 80% of the water isn't going to help the situation.  When you say high nitrites how high?  Remember even if they are fry you still have 14 fish in this tank.  Your biofilter hasn't completely finished cycling so the addition of 14 fish waste's is going to spike the tank.  20-30% water changes at a time, never more than 50%.

I am also going to assume you are using "dip" strips to test the nitrites?  These are not as accurate as a water test kit so anywhere it is listed in the "danger zone" can be as little as .5 ppm Which is bad, but usually not bad enough to kill off your fish.

The good news is your tank is on the down hill of the cycle process.

Watch how much water you change out

Answer 2

you cant lower it much by keep changing the water because your using tap water or the same water source, it'll always keep giving you the same amount. you need to treat the water.

i've added some links below which are different methods of lowering the nitrate level. they are products which would be useful for you. i would go for the last link which is just treatment. =)

Answer 3

the only way to drop it is with water changes it is high because it is not a completly cycled tank so the fish waste and excess food is turning to ammonia then nitrite

one way to help this situation is to clean the filters from your other tank into the fry tank this will seed the tank with the good bacteria and help control the ammonia and nitrite levels

it is common for them to get high in most fry tanks because most people do not have gravel in them and we feed more so regular water changes are a must  

Answer 4

sometimes it can be caused by dirty filter cartredges get a new one or clean the old one real well.