Nitrite Poisoning

[Aroboy II]

In fish-keeping, nitrite poisoning is one of the common killers after ammonia poisoning. The presence of detectable levels indicates that your bio filter is not working adequately, either because your tank has not yet cycled, or the filter is not functioning adequately (e.g., too small for fish load, clogged, etc.) It is imperative that you address the problem (filter) in addition to the symptoms (high ammonia levels).

Signs and Symptoms:

• Fish breathing heavily at the water surface
• Fish hanging aound or near water outlets
• Fish is restless/listless
• Brown ot tan gills
• Gill movements are rapid

Remedy:

1) Raise the ph above 7.0 as higher the ph, the less toxic is the nitrite (opposite of ammonia)

2) Do a 25-40% water change preferably
with aged water.

3)Add aquarium salt (slightly overdose)

4)Feed sparingly or complete stop feeding

5)Provide ample oxygen ; add as many airstones to increase aeration

Prevention/Counter measure:

1) Increase the tank population slowly

2) Remove uneaten food immediately and sparingly feeding is encouraged.

3) Regular, frequent water changes (with small quantity)

4) Conduct water testing of water parameters to “detect” problems as early as possible.

5) Do not overfeed your fish