Issues with ammonia and nitrates

Shaddow_wolf169 · Feb 15, 2017

I got 125 gallon tank that I have been having issues with ammonia nitrates tank is almost 4 months old cycle went through after a month ammonia is holding at .25 and nitrates are at .15 to .20 I did a 30 gallon water change yesterday and the api test came out the same. Nothing is dead in the tank. I have 100lb's of live rock 80lbs of live sand. Running sump with chaeto and a nyos quantum 160 skimmer new still breaking in. What is going on.also running a 4" marine pure block.

bobman · Feb 15, 2017

ITs your API test kit. The ammonia will almost always show .25 ammonia. I only recommend using API test kits to monitor a cycle. Then take some water to a lfs to have to tested there. You will find out your tank does not have ammonia. I do not recommend buying any ammonia test kits unless you cant get to a lfs to have the water tested. Reason being is you will rarely ever test for ammonia from here on out so its not really worth buying a test kit for.

Diesel · Feb 15, 2017

Normally the API test kits are fine on ammonia and nitrite, in this case I would ask LFS for a second opinion.

Shaddow_wolf169 · Feb 15, 2017

I tested my ammonia a few time read it was good. But fore the last month it has been up. My pistol shrimp kept killing my hermets and snails.

Shaddow_wolf169 · Feb 15, 2017

He was banished to the fuge

Shaddow_wolf169 · Feb 17, 2017

Okay guys I have a new issue I installed a jacod DCT 12000 pump and nyos quantum 160 skimmer now my water flows extremely high turning over the tank 15 times an hour. The pump I had before turned it twice if that. my water parameters are showing zero ammonia and my nitrates are now zero as well how can I get my nitrates to go up to feed my corals will this cause an issue if I leave them down. I'm trying to keep my nitrates at least .5 should I just feed frozen food and leave the water in the food.