High nitrates

Garen · May 28, 2020

Hi can anyone help with my nitrate and phosphate levels? Ive recently added new skimmer and removed some coral. And had 2 remove some live rock (due 2 aptasia).. all my other levels are fine but im struggling to lower these.. i put some nice macroalgae in tank but my tuxedo urchin keeps takin it around tank on its back lol im lookin 4 a long term fix rather than a quick chemical remedy. All fish etc are fine tho

Nick82187 · May 28, 2020

Water changes and feeding minimal necessary will go a long way

Garen · May 28, 2020

Nick82187 said:
Water changes and feeding minimal necessary will go a long way

I feed them twice a day and they smash that within a minute. So ill try more REGULAR water changes as i will admit im not doun as much as i should. All fish and coral doin really well but i just dont like my levels lol thanks

David Calzada · May 28, 2020

Keep checking your parameters. For aptasia I use a peppermint shrimp and he did the work, that way you dont remove your live rock out or good bacteria. Water changes and feeding as necessary is needed

jeffchapok · May 28, 2020

What are your levels and what are you using to test them?

ramboisreal · May 28, 2020

Garen said:
I feed them twice a day and they smash that within a minute. So ill try more REGULAR water changes as i will admit im not doun as much as i should. All fish and coral doin really well but i just dont like my levels lol thanks

What are your levels?

Garen · Jun 3, 2020

ramboisreal said:
What are your levels?

Hi sorry 4 late reply. My PH around 8.2. Ammonia 0 nitrite 0 salinity 1.025 calcium around 450 but my phosphate high nearly 3 and nitrate around 100.

Sdot · Jun 3, 2020

Garen said:
Hi sorry 4 late reply. My PH around 8.2. Ammonia 0 nitrite 0 salinity 1.025 calcium around 450 but my phosphate high nearly 3 and nitrate around 100.

3 or .3?

Garen · Jun 3, 2020

jeffchapok said:
What are your levels and what are you using to test them?

Salinity 1.025 calcium 450 PH 8.2 ammonia 0 nitrite 0 but phosphate up nearly 3 and nitrate around 100

Flippers4pups · Jun 3, 2020

What test kits are you using? Are they with in expiration date?

Garen · Jun 3, 2020

Sdot said:
3 or .3?

Only got this 1 kit for phosphate and not sure if im right but ill send u pic now. Its the darker of the blue ones which say 3. Hope this helps

artieg1 · Jun 3, 2020

With the admonition that you shouldn't chase numbers (instead watch your inhabitants), I will say that a nitrate of 100 is probably asking for trouble at some point. I would slowly bring it down through: regular water changes, removing any detritus in sump or tank, skimming, reduce feeding, etc. But no need to rush if your inhabitants are happy.

Garen · Jun 3, 2020

Flippers4pups said:
What test kits are you using? Are they with in expiration date?

API saltwater test kit and it says 2024 on it. Also salifert for phos and red sea for calc

Garen · Jun 3, 2020

artieg1 said:
With the admonition that you shouldn't chase numbers (instead watch your inhabitants), I will say that a nitrate of 100 is probably asking for trouble at some point. I would slowly bring it down through: regular water changes, removing any detritus in sump or tank, skimming, reduce feeding, etc. But no need to rush if your inhabitants are happy.

This is them as we speak. Slightly overrun with coral but all happy and feedin i think.

Flippers4pups · Jun 3, 2020

Are you using tap water or RO/DI water?

How often are you doing water changes?

tsouth · Jun 3, 2020

In order to chunk out those nitrates and phosphates, a generous water change should be done, alongside weekly 10%'s or so (assuming you're on a berlin style setup)

Garen · Jun 3, 2020

Flippers4pups said:
Are you using tap water or RO/DI water?

How often are you doing water changes?

RO/DI. ill admit i wasnt doin water changes enough as all my levels were fine. But ive had a run of changin skimmer. Removin coral and live rock and heater over heatin so changed skimmer and heater and bought a heater control. I was doin about 25% not often but now started a 10% change every 7 to 10 days

Garen · Jun 3, 2020

tsouth said:
In order to chunk out those nitrates and phosphates, a generous water change should be done, alongside weekly 10%'s or so (assuming you're on a berlin style setup)

Ill be honest ive only been doin this about 10 months and went into it bit blind if im honest. Its an aqua medic percula 90. Its an old tank ive heard and its all built in. Touch wood tho this is 1st time my levels has been out a lot

Flippers4pups · Jun 3, 2020

Water changes and some GFO will help. With GFO, be careful not to bottom out your P04.

tsouth · Jun 3, 2020

Garen said:
Ill be honest ive only been doin this about 10 months and went into it bit blind if im honest. Its an aqua medic percula 90. Its an old tank ive heard and its all built in. Touch wood tho this is 1st time my levels has been out a lot

Hey, we all come from the same beginnings! You're working your way towards being better and that's what matters right? Taking proactive steps like you are now is turning a new page. Get back on that track and lets see this bad boy flourish!