How do you reduce the nitrite in an aquarium?

We've had a few fish die in our 30 gallon freshwater tank. Then, we used a test strip in the water and found out that the nitrite levels were off the chart! Any suggestions on products or what to do to reduce the nitrite levels?

Yes. Nitrite buildup is because you don't change the water often enough. You should change about a third of the water every month. The best way to do that is with a vacuum siphon. You can remove the waste products from the bottom of the tank and eliminate a major source of nitrite at the same time. Plus, drain this water into your favorite flower garden or your vegetable garden. The plants love that stuff.Good luck

get a new filter

1. Do a water change! remove half the water2. Reduce the amount or type of food you provide, brine shrimp are a primary cause for this problem, decomposing fecal matter.3. Add some live plants, the Amazon Sword Plant is real good for consuming extra nutrients in aquarium water. Valesenaria is another one that is great at filtering the nitrites out of the tank.. Brighter lights could help if you have LIVING plants in the water, it stimulates growth and that takes food, the food comes out of the water.

Water changes! Also make sure that you have suitable filtration on the aquarium. The filtration also needs an established nitrifying bacterial bed to handle the fish waste, excess food etc.There is a product called Aqua Gold you may want to look into on the link below.

20 percent water changes every other day until it comes back clear, and also add some plants, because the nitrite gets converted to nitrate, which feeds plants. Also, when you add more water, make sure to use a de-chlorinator first, so that way the new water doesn't kill the ecosystem you have in your tank.Also, make sure you have something providing air into the tank besides the waterfall from your filter. A bubble stone will do quite well, as more oxygen gets pumped into the tank, the faster the nitrates dissipate into the air.Part of what is causing the nitrite levels to shoot up is high ammonia levels as well, so get an ammonia testing kit, and test for that as well. Ammonia in the water due to uneaten fish food and fish waste literally cooks the fish's gills, making them unable to breathe at all.As previously suggested, get a siphon style gravel cleaner, and clean your gravel while pulling water out.

if you are having Nitrite issues, then your tank is still cycling.dont do any water changes and let it run its course.how old is the tank and how many fish?what type of filter?if its Nitrate, then do a 5-10% water change once a week, making sure to vacuum the ditritus from the gravel.or you can look into a De-Nitrator type filter.

Nitrites are one of the most harmful pollutants in aquarium water.Nitrite is a toxic waste material found in varying concentrations in most aquariums. It is produced as nitrifying bacteria in the biological filter break down ammonia. As the biological filter develops and grows, the bacteria use nitrite as a food source, converting it to non-toxic nitrate, thus reducing the level of nitrite in the aquarium. Regular testing for nitrite is important because even low levels of nitrite affect the red blood cells of fish, reducing their ability to carry oxygen, thus causing suffocation and fish death.During the startup of a new tank, Nitrite levels will soar and can stress or even kill fish. However, even after an aquarium is initially "cycled", it is not unusual to for you tank to experience nitrite "spikes" from time to time. When you do your monthly testing, include nitrite testing as part of the routine. Any elevation of Nitrite levels is a red flag that indicates a problem brewing in the tank. If a fish is ill, or dies, it's wise to test for Nitrite to ensure that is not contributing to the problem. Use a Fritz Nitrite Test Kit to determine if their is nitrite in your aquarium. Nitrite levels should be at ZERO ppm (parts per million).If nitrite is present, take immediate steps to reduce it. Always reduce feeding temporarily if any nitrite or ammonia is detected. If the nitrite level is above 0.5 ppm, perform a small water change. Remove as much waste from the bottom of the aquarium as possible. Treat replacement water with Fritz Guard water conditioner with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to greatly reduce fish stress and the chance of infection. For best results, add Fritz Zyme #7 Freshwater Nitrifying Bacteria or Fritz Zyme #9 Saltwater Nitrifying Bacteria to naturally reduce toxic ammonia and nitrite quickly. Where available, add Turbo Start #700 or #900 for the most rapid and permanent ammonia/nitrite elimination possible. Turbo Start is a safe and effective, super-concentrated nitrifying bacterial product.