Nitrite Spike - Advice Needed
Edit: this is a copy of a previous post. I couldn’t figure out how to add pics to the old post. These water chem levels were taken last night.
pH = 7-7.5
Nitrates = 0 ppm
Nitrites = between 1 and 2 ppm
Ammonia = 0 ppm
For context: I rescued two juvenile axolotls about two months ago. I’m brand new to aquariums, let alone axolotl care, so there has been a lot learning on the go. Despite my lack of experience, my amphibian friends seem healthy and content. They’re now up to 6.5-7 inches long, and are munching on cut up night crawlers every other day.
The only issue I’m dealing with is that the nitrites seem to keep rising, while my other chem levels (pH, nitrates, ammonia) are completely normal. I do a 50% water change every 7-10 days, and I’ve been adding seachem prime and stability as directed on the bottles. I regularly spot clean the tank to remove waste. I will only leave food in the tank overnight, and will remove it in the morning the next day.
Is there something I’m missing? Or is this just how the nitrogen cycle normally works in tanks? The tank has been cycling for about 4 weeks. I will say I don’t have any live plants in the tank to help soak up the nitrates/nitrites, but I am upgrading my setup (a 40 gallon breeder with a temp sensor and automatic fan to keep the water cool) with live plants and fine sand substrate. Any tips/advice would be helpful and very much appreciated!