Dumb question

[legionofdoon]

I probably already know the answer but I'll ask anyway. I had a nitrite spike in my tank not nitrate nitrite. Started getting cyano out of nowhere and tested everything. Anyway didn't change anything but I noticed that my skimmer while producing foam wasn't collecting as much as normal and found out that the reason why was because somehow the the drain valve on the collection cup was wide open and all the nastiness was flowing back into my sump. Question is would that be the cause of the nitrite or should I look elsewhere?

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Is your cycle finished?

 

[Snookin]

Nitrate is byproduct from ammonia in the nitrogen cycle. You had an ammonia spike. The skimmate may have caused this. But, has anything died recently, over feeding?, new fish additions?, how long tank been set up? These are all things that can cause ammonia spikes

 

[legionofdoon]

Nope tanks over a year old lost a cleaner shrimp but pulled him out.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Phosphate would be more like the cause.
Tap water, lack of water changes, overfeeding and non RO water will cause Cyano.
Lower feeding quantity, change water every 3 days, USE ro water and even treat with ChemiClean and it will be gone

 

[legionofdoon]

No additions and no change in feeding. I did pull some chaeto recently though.

 

[legionofdoon]

Phosphate isn't the issue. Just nitrites.

 

[legionofdoon]

Also I use rodi.

 

[legionofdoon]

BTW no ammonia was present in the test.

 

[Snookin]

BTW no ammonia was present in the test.

There wouldn’t be any longer. It converted to nitrites

 

[legionofdoon]

I know, just hoping the nitrite is from the skimmer. Also as I recall nitrites will make a nitrate test read higher correct? My nitrates were 50.

 

[JPergamo]

Is your livestock suffering? What made you test nitrites in the first place?

 

[legionofdoon]

No issues with the live stock, I did lose a cleaner shrimp but that was weeks ago and I had no nitrites and my nitrates were 5, I noticed cyano but the main reason why I tested nitrites was because I was going to the LFS to get some frags and I always bring a water sample with me they found the nitrites.

 

[JPergamo]

No issues with the live stock, I did lose a cleaner shrimp but that was weeks ago and I had no nitrites and my nitrates were 5, I noticed cyano but the main reason why I tested nitrites was because I was going to the LFS to get some frags and I always bring a water sample with me they found the nitrites.

If nothing died and there was no crazy ammonia spike it may not be an accurate test. Even if it was and livestock wasnt suffering I wouldnt worry too much about it. Just do regular maintenance, and get a nutrient balance over time the cyano will dissipate.

 

[legionofdoon]

Nitrites already down it's showing color but barely, the nitrates are back down too around 10 so I'm pretty sure it was the skimmer waste flowing back in that started it all thanks everyone for your help.