How to Remove Nitrite From a Saltwater Tank

Nitrite is the resulting chemical when beneficial bacteria in a saltwater aquarium convert ammonia. It is a toxic chemical that could harm and even potentially kill your aquarium inhabitants. There should be not traces of nitrite in a healthy saltwater aquarium, regardless of whether or not it contains corals. High nitrite levels result from infrequent water changes, poor filtration or too many fish. There is no one-step fix for removing nitrite from a marine aquarium, but there are several steps you can take to gradually reduce the levels.

Things You'll Need

  • Siphon
  • Bucket
  • Dechlorinator
  • Marine salt
  • Hydrometer
  • Wooden spoon
  • Extra filter
  • Nylon net
  • Large plastic baggie
  • Styrofoam box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare a bucket and place it below your aquarium. Place the open end of the siphon at the bottom of the bucket.

    • 2

      Siphon out about one-fourth of the tank water. Pump the head of the siphon up and down beneath the water's surface until it begins running up the siphon's tube and down into the bucket.

    • 3

      Dispose of the old water and mix new water in the bucket. Add the proper dose of dechlorinator and marine salt to the mix. The dosages should be listed on the packaging. Test the salinity level with a hydrometer so that it is around 1.020ppm, and then add the water back into the tank. Repeat this process until your tank is full again.

    • 4

      Install an extra filter on the aquarium. Nitrite could result from improper filtration. The filter's installation instructions will vary according to model, but many simply hang on the back of the tank and suck water up through an intake tube. They expel cleaned water back into the tank via a ramp-like spillway.

    • 5

      Reduce the number of fish in the aquarium. You can remove them with nylon nets and place them in baggies filled with your tank water. Take them to local pet shops in styrofoam buckets. Many pet shops will give you store credit for fish. Set up a new tank for extraneous fish if you do not want to give them away. There should be no more than 3 inches of fish per square foot of floor space in a saltwater aquarium.