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Subject:
by Fishlady on 30/11/2014 23:45:22

OK - I think I know what's happening. Right back at the beginning you used some Safestart if I remember correctly. We don't recommend this because the ammonia>nitrite bacteria that are correct for aquarium filtration have no dormant stage and thus cannot survive in a bottle so that makes it pretty pointless. However, there are also nitrite>nitrate munchers in these potions who can stay dormant for some time and will reawaken when temp is high enough, thy are in flowing water and nitrite is present.

What I think has happened is that the first stage (ammonia>nitrite) has begun to happen, but at a very slow rate because you only recently turned on the heater. Evidence that this stage has started is there in that the ammonia level is dropping. The small quantity of nitrite being produced at this early stage has re-awakened the dormant nitrite munchers who are present in sufficient numbers to process it straight through to nitrate before you are able to detect it on a test.

You can confirm this by testing your tap water nitrate level. If it is lower than the current level in your tank then my theory is likely to be correct as if ammonia falls and nitrate rises, there has to have been nitrite present in between, even if you didn't see it on test.