Help? Nitrates Nitrites

[Smalls737]

I am new to the hobby i have a 30 gallon tank. What is the difference between nitrites and nitrates? Also what is a good test kit to buy? and what all should i be testing for?
Thanks!

[NeilFox]

hi smalls. Nitrites are the product of ammonia being converted to nitrite by bacteria, nitrates (with an a) are a more advanced stage where the nitrite is broken down. Nitrates aren't so harmful but cause alea to grow. Oftentimes undesireble ones, fish can tolerate nitrates just fine but some corals cannot. Nitrate cannot be exported by breaking down, only by removing it (pulling out algea and throwing it away). Nitrates themselves are good to a degree, corals use them for food. They become a problem when you have too many and the corals can't keep up with demand and undesireable algea takes over.

Of course there is a little more to it but that is the short form..

[daplatapus]

Yup, like Neilfox said. Nitrates are the end of the process. Ammonia to Nitrites. Nitrites to Nitrates. For the most part, people get rid of Nitrates with water changes.
If you do a bit of advanced research, there are ways to process Nitrates as well with a DSB (deep sand bed) but that can be a bit of a controversial topic as to pro's, con's and long term stability.