Hey there. Just making sure I'm doing OK.
My tank -180 litres was cycled (fishless) before I put in my fish on Monday.
As my tap nitrate was high (60/70) I had put in a nitrazorb pillow to take the tank levels (80) down.

So, for the last 5 days the readings have been:

amonia - 0.0,
nitrite - 0.05-0.1,
nitrate - fluctuating between 5 and 15.
PH - 8.00.

I'm wondering about the nitrazorb pillow as it will also scavenge amonia and nitrite.

1)Is there a possibilty it could be impeding the bacterial growth needed to meet the fishes demands.
2)Is it alright that there is some nitrite?
3)Now that the nitrate is down, should I remove the pillow to see where the filtration is at under it's own steam?
4) would tomorrow be a good time for a gravel vac and water change? - How much to change?

Hi Pixie.
I wouldnt do a water change just yet, wait until you get 0 for nitrites and then do a 25% change.
Feed your fish very lightly in this time as you dont want too much waste all at once to upset the filters.
Keep testing the water each day as it looks like everything is settling down.
The pillow you can take out if you want.

OH great Thank you - that was quick.
Yeah, I'm not giving much food anyway as the ranchu looked a little constipated the other day- about three peas each, am. and pm. Is that OK or will they starve? They look desperate each time I walk by the tank.
How long is best before putting in another fish? - Would you be kind and have a look at my thread in goldfish discussion about this question. I would love that fish but want to do it safely.
Grazias

PS I think the title is 'advice on new fish'

You can add your fish when the ammonia and nitrite stay at 0 for a few days and you have done a small water change with gravel vac.
The fish wont starve they are just greedy
Will go look at your other thread