spikes

[ltljoker]

I am having a hard time getting my water peramiters in order. I first got the nitrates and amonia down but the nitrites were up. Did a 45 gallon water change and then ph was low. Added buffer to bring up the ph and now the nitrites are down but the nitrates and the amonia are now back up. If i do another water change what will spike next. So should i just let it cycle or do another water change. I keep reading on here water change water change water change. i dont want to keep fighting against the cycles

 

[yote]

Let it cycle.
The water changes are just drawing it out.

 

[ndepratt]

Let it cycle.
The water changes are just drawing it out.

+1

no use in doing a water change until you complete the cycle.

 

[dcantucson]

I agree. Also I would add to be careful with those ph buffer additives. They can really change the water chemistry make-up very quickly and cause a total crash if you're not careful.

 

[Smitty]

+1 to all...once you have zero ammonia and nitrites, and just nitrates...them go ahead and do the water change.

 

[mike surtees]

Hi, Spot on, Patience, no water changes until the cycle ends and nitrite at zero. Then water change to bring down your nitrates. It depends on rock qauntity, substrate, amount of ammonia being created, all sorts of things, but it's nature and you cannot beat or interupt it. Regards.