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High nitrites in new fish tank, and my fish won't eat. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Fish | Freshwater Fish | 1lb

Hello i have a fish tank 45l with 11 fishes in it (Shubunkin , opaline gourami , honey gourami , trichogaster etc) . i added the fish a week ago and tested the water and it was fine.today i see that 2 of my Scalars aren't eating like everyone else , so i tested the water . Everything was fine except for Nitrite levels that was 3.0 - 5.0 ppm. I changed 25 % of the water and added Easy Life Filter Medium and after some hours i tested again the water quality and it was the same I also added salt

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1 Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on August 14th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out. Sounds like new tank syndrome, which is the time it takes for the biological filter to come up to speed, reducing ammonia to nitrites to nitrates. Continue to test and perform water changes as needed, giving the filter time to establish. Good luck.

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