Hight nitrates

Bruce7267ad · Jun 3, 2019

So I have a high level of the last stage that I've been told you just have to water change out but it's always high when I test any ideas on how to lower the nitrates

Luno · Jun 3, 2019

Sorry I'm just trying to understand mate, when you say last stage do you mean after cycle?

And what are your nitrates at? Like what you consider high and what others may consider high may be too different values

Bruce7267ad · Jun 3, 2019

The last stage in the cycle is nitrates. And right now there at the high end of what the API test kit showes so it's way too high for salt water it says.

Luno · Jun 3, 2019

Bruce7267ad said:
The last stage in the cycle is nitrates. And right now there at the high end of what the API test kit showes so it's way too high for salt water it says.

Sorry slackness, I'm not sure on what that value is though but I'm guessing pretty high if it's at the end of the test range so like 50 plus? API test kits are ok to start off with but I'd suggest moving onto a more accurate test kit as your reefing experience grows.

If your at the end of the intial cycle yeah definitely do a big water change say 50%. If they remain high you'll have to look at your filtration add a refugium or some other form of mechanical filtration.

What sort of filtration are you running right now?

KrisReef · Jun 4, 2019

If you are still adding ammonia, stop?

Did you start with used or old (dirty) rock? It could be leaching nitrates, or your test kit may be a source of error as @Luno mentioned earlier.

Bruce7267ad · Jun 4, 2019

Luno said:
Sorry slackness, I'm not sure on what that value is though but I'm guessing pretty high if it's at the end of the test range so like 50 plus? API test kits are ok to start off with but I'd suggest moving onto a more accurate test kit as your reefing experience grows.

If your at the end of the intial cycle yeah definitely do a big water change say 50%. If they remain high you'll have to look at your filtration add a refugium or some other form of mechanical filtration.

What sort of filtration are you running right now?

Right now I have two hob filters the second biggest aqua clear and a big Petco brand filter just to put my seachem matrix in to help correct this problem. The aqua clear has the spong that came with it I added a gfo bag and blue chem elite bag.
The Petco filter also has the Polly pad by two little fish.

All I feed my tank is mysis shrimp and brine shrimp so I try to keep decay to a minimum.

How long do you guys find that those gfo and blue chem bags last?
I'm in a 40 gal breeder

Bruce7267ad · Jun 4, 2019

KrisReef said:
If you are still adding ammonia, stop?

Did you start with used or old (dirty) rock? It could be leaching nitrates, or your test kit may be a source of error as @Luno mentioned earlier.

No I haven't added ammonia since kick starting the cycling.
I bought new rock from bulk reef supply so no leaching.

What test kit do you guys like?

ScottR · Jun 4, 2019

Bruce7267ad said:
Right now I have two hob filters the second biggest aqua clear and a big Petco brand filter just to put my seachem matrix in to help correct this problem. The aqua clear has the spong that came with it I added a gfo bag and blue chem elite bag.
The Petco filter also has the Polly pad by two little fish.

All I feed my tank is mysis shrimp and brine shrimp so I try to keep decay to a minimum.

How long do you guys find that those gfo and blue chem bags last?
I'm in a 40 gal breeder

Brine shrimp aren’t really that nutritious and IMO just dirty the water.

For test kits, Salifert is probably the most popular on this forum. Red Sea makes some trustworthy ones as well.

Bruce7267ad · Jun 4, 2019

ScottR said:
Brine shrimp aren’t really that nutritious and IMO just dirty the water.

For test kits, Salifert is probably the most popular on this forum. Red Sea makes some trustworthy ones as well.

I'm noticing brine shrimp doesn't really get the fish going. Hopefully the cuc like it on the bottom lol

ScottR · Jun 4, 2019

I’d be cautious of feeding brine just to your CUC though. Their job is to cleanup the tank. If your fish aren’t eating it, it basically becomes detritus which is likely the reason for your high nitrates.

Are you using RODI water? Mixing your own? RODI water should have zero nitrates. Besides distilled water, most other water sources have measurable amount of nitrates. I tested my filtered drinking water and it was at 10! Already borderline.

Bruce7267ad · Jun 4, 2019

Yeah I just replaced all my filters to see if this would help. I know it was about time to replace the ro membrane.
I got a feeling I'm over feeding

ScottR · Jun 4, 2019

Bruce7267ad said:
Yeah I just replaced all my filters to see if this would help. I know it was about time to replace the ro membrane.
I got a feeling I'm over feeding

I’d quit brine all together. Focus on feeding quality frozen foods. I like LRS frozen foods. They mix a bunch of nutritious types of fish, shellfish, and other stuff. Good varied meal for fish, coral and inverts.

Bruce7267ad · Jun 4, 2019

ScottR said:
I’d quit brine all together. Focus on feeding quality frozen foods. I like LRS frozen foods. They mix a bunch of nutritious types of fish, shellfish, and other stuff. Good varied meal for fish, coral and inverts.

The lrs food is only available at fish store right? Not online.