high nitrites in a tank with livestock

[reefgall]

I went through the entire nitrogen cycle with no problems. I dropped a shrimp in and waited it out (even tho the smell was brutal)... once it was ammonia =0 nitrites = 0, and nitrates low, I waited a week before adding fish. LFS tested my params and said I was fine. added two clowns, everything was great. it wasn't until I added my Zoas a month later , I noticed after a week they closed up. I tested everything and my ammonia was really high and my nitrites were through the roof. I freaked out so I added fritz zyme9 and my ammonia dropped! its at like .02ppm on my ammo alert, (safer than before). only issue, my nitrites &nitrates are still through the roof. idk what happened that this occurred, its like a cycle all over again, but please help me. I've done numerous water changes, and added fritz zyme 9. I'm concerned with the high nitrites and high nitrates. idk what else to do, its been a week and a half. this is not my first salt tank btw.. I never had a problem like this before.

I know its prob my fault, I will take the blame, so please don't come here to blame or tell me I'm stupid, please come here to help me find a solution. advice, additives, any solutions are greatly appreciated.

tank= 30 gal, 2o pds of live rock & sand.
hob penguin 200 filter with matrix and penguin filter pad.
hob Refugium with chaeto and copepods and live rock.
2 clowns, pistol shrimp & blue spot watchman goby.
3 small zoa frags

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

That’s odd.

High nitrates and nitrites won’t do anything. Never worry about those.
It might make the zoas happy.

Your nitrates should have actually been high after the shrimp cycle.

The Ammonia spike is a mystery, you did the right thing with the fritz bacteria.

Water changes will lower the no3

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Did you cure the live rock before putting it in? If you have a lot of dead material on/in the rock and it wasn’t cured that can create a supply of ammonia as it cures in the tank.

 

[Daimyo68]

Whats the highest Ammonia reading you got when cycling?

 

[reefgall]

Whats the highest Ammonia reading you got when cycling?

I got the greenest , green on api

 

[reefgall]

Did you cure the live rock before putting it in? If you have a lot of dead material on/in the rock and it wasn’t cured that can create a supply of ammonia as it cures in the tank.

its life rock by Carib sea, don't think that needs to be cured

 

[reefgall]

That’s odd.

High nitrates and nitrites won’t do anything. Never worry about those.
It might make the zoas happy.

Your nitrates should have actually been high after the shrimp cycle.

The Ammonia spike is a mystery, you did the right thing with the fritz bacteria.

Water changes will lower the no3

it is odd that why I'm confused!!! I'm wondering if I stocked it too quick but, I feel like that wouldn't make it go this nuts. I've just been doing water changes twice a week now.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

The only thing I can think of is something died.
Look for snails.

 

[vetteguy53081]

You have to a degree basic filtration. Although it will get you by, you will have to administer carbon and regular water changes to equalize your chemistry.
A good siphoning will also alleviate any spoiled/dead matter or decay which may have occurred.

 

[reefgall]

You have to a degree basic filtration. Although it will get you by, you will have to administer carbon and regular water changes to equalize your chemistry.
A good siphoning will also alleviate any spoiled/dead matter or decay which may have occurred.

I siphon the sand and poof it with a turkey baster! I do water changes every Sunday. i take 5 gallons out. maybe I should take out more.

 

[reefgall]

You have to a degree basic filtration. Although it will get you by, you will have to administer carbon and regular water changes to equalize your chemistry.
A good siphoning will also alleviate any spoiled/dead matter or decay which may have occurred.

what do u recommend I put in my penguin 200? I already have their filter pads and matrix

 

[reefgall]

The only thing I can think of is something died.
Look for snails.

I have snails and I don't see them sometimes for days at a time but then ill see them for a week, so its hard to know if they're dead or not. I don't have a lot though. like 3 snails and 4 hermits.

 

[vetteguy53081]

what do u recommend I put in my penguin 200? I already have their filter pads and matrix

Phos and or nitrate sponges(pads cut to size) and a small stocking or net pouch with carbon and even a little GFO

 

[Hemmdog]

what do u recommend I put in my penguin 200? I already have their filter pads and matrix

A hob isn’t going to be able to handle the bioload for you my friend. It will constantly be an issue your chasing.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have snails and I don't see them sometimes for days at a time but then ill see them for a week, so its hard to know if they're dead or not. I don't have a lot though. like 3 snails and 4 hermits.

Double that number of crew

 

[reefgall]

A hob isn’t going to be able to handle the bioload for you my friend. It will constantly be an issue your chasing.

I don't really have the option of a sump right now.

 

[reefgall]

t

Phos and or nitrate sponges(pads cut to size) and a small stocking or net pouch with carbon and even a little GFO

thank you

 

[Ashish Patel]

High nitrites is a biological filter issue. I'd advice against waterchanges which may prolong your biological filter to stabilize and reduce your nutrient export (skimming or carbon) for 1 week. Best thing would be to add some nitrifying bacteria (microbacter, dr tims, instant ocean brand, etc).

What test kit are you using? High nitrites should drop and leave you with just nitrates

 

[vetteguy53081]

A hob isn’t going to be able to handle the bioload for you my friend. It will constantly be an issue your chasing.

He really has no choice at this time and why the options offered.

 

[reefgall]

High nitrites is a biological filter issue. I'd advice against waterchanges which may prolong your biological filter to stabilize and reduce your nutrient export (skimming or carbon) for 1 week. Best thing would be to add some nitrifying bacteria (microbacter, dr tims, instant ocean brand, etc).

What test kit are you using? High nitrites should drop and leave you with just nitrates

I use API I have reef master and salt master test kits. I just bought turbo start by fritz I may add that. only issue is I've added fritz zyme 9 and readings have been the same for a week. idk what to do