Nitrite after water change, help

[TinFury]

Ok For the last three weeks I've been cycling my new tank. My ammonia is now 0 but my nitrite is off the chart. I did a 80% water change and the reading is still off the chart. How could that be? My test kit only measures up to 5ppm and the shades of colors are so similar.

Should I do another water change? I have two disposable fishes living in the tank right now producing ammonium. There happy btw.

[serotonin]

In my experience and readings, it may be best to not change water at all durring the cycle. If the fish are happy then you're happy and nature will run its course.

[TinFury]

It's been four weeks now. I'm sure that the second stage bacteria should be there somewhere.

[serotonin]

If your spiked with nitrite, not to worry, it won't be long before that goes down to undetectable levels. Perhaps a matter of days is my guess. Let's wait and see what others think. But I would hold off on the water changes.

[coral reefer]

Nitrosomonas spp. bacteria probably hasn't developed to its maximum population to modify excess nitrites and break it down to a less toxic form and last stage of the nitrogen cycle(nitrates)!