In new tank syndrome, nitrite builds up between the ammonia and nitrate stages of the nitrogen cycle. Even 0.5 ppm nitrite is harmful. Fish literally suffocate despite abundant water oxygen.
📊 Key Facts
Causative Agent
Elevated nitrite levels
Treatment
✗ None
Vaccine
✗ None / Experimental
🩺 Clinical Signs
Gasping at surface, red or brown gills, rapid gill movement, lethargy, sudden death.
💊 Treatment
⚠️ No universally approved treatment is currently available. The information below covers supportive care and experimental approaches.
Immediate 50% water change. Add aquarium salt (chloride blocks nitrite uptake). Reduce feeding. Wait for cycle to complete.
🛡️ Prevention
ℹ️ Prevention is the most effective strategy for managing this disease in aquaculture and aquarium settings.
Fishless cycle before stocking. Monitor parameters. Never add too many fish at once.