False Positive Nitrite Test - Update

• To: Bettas list <bettas at listserv_arizona.edu>
• Subject: False Positive Nitrite Test - Update
• From: Cynthia Powers <cyn at metronet_com>
• Date: Fri, 23 Feb 1996 17:15:01 -0600 (CST)
• Cc: Fish & Aquaria list <aquarium at emuvm1_cc.emory.edu>, Cichlid list <cichlids at mailmill_com>, Aquatic plants list <aquatic-plants at actwin_com>

Nitrite in this tank is now zero; it began dropping dramatically three days 
ago and has been plummeting ever since.  The log phase of bacterial growth 
is some kinda impressive.

For everyone's info:  I removed the coconut shells, soaked them in 
dechlorinated water and then tested - no nitrite.  At that point I put 
them back in the tank.  Nitrite began falling slowly at that point, so I 
didn't bother to isolate the driftwood for testing.

So what I've learned is this - toss in some dying plant bits, a little 
bacteria in a bottle, don't filter for a few days and voila - 
"artificial" tank cycling.

Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions and ideas.

Cynthia

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