What is a safe nitrite level in an aquarium?

I need to understand what a safe nitrite level is in an aquarium.

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Nitrite levels should be zero in a mature tank. No amount of Nitrite is safe for fish, only low nitrate levels are safe. Perform water change if you have nitrite.

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Answer by swampy02 (145)

Generally 0.3 ppm is thought to be the upper limit of nitrite levels. If there gets to be too much more than that it will be toxic to the fish.

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Answer by helper1 (35)

The level of nitrite varies based on the activity happening in the tank. If your breeding fish or dealing with and algae outbreak it should be below 10 parts per million (ppm). For a normal aquarium the level should be below 50 ppm at the lowest level and below 25 ppm is preferred. Tap water can be up to 40ppm.

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posted by Anonymous
helper1, nitrites should always be zero unless the tank is new and still cycling, anything above about 4ppm can kill the critters in the aquarium. What you are actually referring to are nitrates which are much less toxic and up to about 50ppm is ok. add a comment

posted by Anonymous
You mean nitrates, not nitrites. Nitrates should be 0 unless the tank is cycling. add a comment

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Answer by Dpimentel (26)

your nitrite level can be different considering which type of fish in the aquarium. Nitrites can be brought to higher levels using coral.

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