Help please! NO4 problem.

TrueReef · Oct 23, 2012

So I did my weekly water test today and found that my nitrates were at almost 80ppm. All other params checked fine, 0 PO4, 0 ammonia, ph 8.1, etc. Any idea how I can keep this down, or why this is happening? The tanks been running for 6 months and I didn't exactly skimp on filtration. HELP!

SeahorseKeeper · Oct 23, 2012

What test kit are you using? Can you tell us more about your system?

Steven R · Oct 23, 2012

I would look at getting another test kit, and how old is the tank?

reefin101 · Oct 23, 2012

holy nitrates batman. Yeah more details. Did you start with live rock or dry rock? What is the expiration of the test kit too?

TrueReef · Oct 23, 2012

It's the API Nitrate test kit. Tanks been running for about 6 months. 30 Gallon rimless tank, 25# live rock, 20# aragonite, 25 gallon sump with 7" filter sock, reef octopus needlewheel skimmer, fuge, carbon reactor. I'm doing about 10% every 5 days or so, and only clean the gravel every third water change. I haven't seen any dead remnants of anything. All of my coral is surprisingly happy, even my SPS. :neutral: :neutral: :neutral:

TrueReef · Oct 23, 2012

reefin101 said:
holy nitrates batman. Yeah more details. Did you start with live rock or dry rock? What is the expiration of the test kit too?

It's Real Reef Rock that had been previously cycled in another tank I had. The test kit is relatively new. I don't think the expiration date is til 2015.

stunreefer · Oct 23, 2012

Is this the first time you've tested for Nitrate?

gmoney243 · Oct 23, 2012

Maybe the test kit is wrong. Grab another and try also check experation date. If its still high use more algae or biopellets to control nitrates. Also you might be feeding to much didn't see mention of fish and feeding routine

Sent from my Vortex using Tapatalk 2

TrueReef · Oct 23, 2012

I test for nitrates every week. There's 4 fish in the tank; Swissguard Basslet, Temmenick's Wrasse, Hippo Tang, Snowflake Clown. I feed a little bit of frozen food mix daily. I do have biopellets, so I'll definitely try that.

reefin101 · Oct 24, 2012

what has your nitrates typically been? if it jumped something crazy like 5-10 normally to now 80. Bad test.

Also not to be the tang police but a blue tang in a 30 is Way to small of a tank for him.

reefin101 · Oct 24, 2012

I wouldn't go adding more Biopellets just yet....especially on such a small tank.

CJO · Oct 24, 2012

Normally high nitrates (NO3) come from overfeeding. Try feeding less and do some larger water changes. Any issues with algae?

CJ

TrueReef · Oct 25, 2012

I don't have any algae problems, and my nitrates usually test around 10ppm. So hopefully it's just the test kit. The hippo tang (I know in the long run isn't ideal) is only about 2 inches right now. When he gets bigger he'll go in my 180.

YVR · Oct 25, 2012

I would definitely retest using a different test kit. It is really unusual for your Nitrates to jump like that.

TrueReef · Oct 27, 2012

That's what i thought too. How does everyone like the seachem test kits? I know they can be pricey, but the one's i've used in the past have been very accurate.

Ike · Oct 27, 2012

What needle wheel Octopus skimmer are you using?

TrueReef · Oct 28, 2012

It's the 4" internal needlewheel skimmer. It does a heck of a job.

Ike · Oct 28, 2012

I would suspect you tested too soon after feeding or had some test noise from something that might have died (like a snail) that you didn't realize.

LILBUDDHA · Oct 28, 2012

TrueReef said:
It's the API Nitrate test kit. Tanks been running for about 6 months. 30 Gallon rimless tank, 25# live rock, 20# aragonite, 25 gallon sump with 7" filter sock, reef octopus needlewheel skimmer, fuge, carbon reactor. I'm doing about 10% every 5 days or so, and only clean the gravel every third water change. I haven't seen any dead remnants of anything. All of my coral is surprisingly happy, even my SPS. :neutral: :neutral: :neutral:

Not saying you didn't ........
Did you shake the #2 bottle for 30 seconds before you added the 10 drops ? If not I would retest and follow the instructions to the T .
It will seriously give skewed readings if this one step is not done .

Reefing Madness · Oct 28, 2012

Not for nothing, I use API test kits, don't have any problem with them.
Ever thought of trying Carbon Dosing? AKA- Vodka or Vinegar Dosing? I still dose my tank daily.
Vodka Dosing by 'Genetics' and 'Stony_Corals' - Reefkeeping.com