Nitrites are the second stage of the nirogen cycle and follow the ammonia in the cylce, as nitrifying bacteria is available and will build a colony as ammonia is available.
While ammonia is being converted by the species of nitrosomonas, nitrobacter is mainly responsible for converting nitrite into nitrate, which is the final stage three in the cycle. When we set up a new saltwater aquarium, the nitrogenous compounds will rise to high levels and this will enable the bacteria to form a colony of good bacteria and to start the conversion process (nitrogen cycle).
Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter are aerobic bacteria and need a constant flow of oxygen in order to survive and to perform their tasks.
Nitrite levels should be at an undetectable level at all times after the aquarium fully cycled which may take several months to complete. Nitrites are not as dangerous as ammonia, but still a highly toxic chemical, Nitrite causes fish stress at levels as low as 0.5 ppm. Levels exceeding 10-20 ppm are lethal over a period of time to fish. Immediate action is required if high nitrite levels persist after 7-10 days.
Nitrite interferes with the oxygen metabolism, it destroys the hemoglobin (oxygen carrying cells) of the fish, and aquatic livestock.
Detecting nitrites often means that the biological filter is not working properly, or the tank is overpopulated and the filter can not handle the load efficiently.
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