New and probably need help!

[Klewtz]

Hello everyone!

I have recently got the urge to get a saltwater aquarium not sure how in-depth I want to go tho. Definitely going to stick to just fish and live rock. I currently have got a 55 gal tank with a HOB filter. The biggest problem I have ran into is my tap water even after using conditioners contain nitrites. I have added live bacteria to the tank and my ammonia levels are constantly 0 even after ghost feeding etc. it’s been 2 weeks and nitrites are still have. Nitrates are around a 10ppm and don’t budge much. I have dry rock in the tank and I have also gotten a piece of live rock that was in my LFS.

Does anyone have any tips for me. I was looking into RO/DI but I’m currently in an apartment and can’t hook anything up to my sinks.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hello everyone!

I have recently got the urge to get a saltwater aquarium not sure how in-depth I want to go tho. Definitely going to stick to just fish and live rock. I currently have got a 55 gal tank with a HOB filter. The biggest problem I have ran into is my tap water even after using conditioners contain nitrites. I have added live bacteria to the tank and my ammonia levels are constantly 0 even after ghost feeding etc. it’s been 2 weeks and nitrites are still have. Nitrates are around a 10ppm and don’t budge much. I have dry rock in the tank and I have also gotten a piece of live rock that was in my LFS.

Does anyone have any tips for me. I was looking into RO/DI but I’m currently in an apartment and can’t hook anything up to my sinks.

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

What test are you using for nitrite? I’ve seen nitrate in tap water but not nitrite.

What level of nitrite are you seeing?

Nitrite is not toxic to marine fish like it is for freshwater fish, but what you are seeing is called a “stuck cycle” and it is pretty common.

 

[ScottJ]

You should be able to unscrew the aerator on a faucet

https://plumbernw.com/blog/clean-a-faucet-aerator-for-better-water/

and find an adapter for a small RODI

amazon.com/Aquatic-Life-Changing-Deionization-Cartridge/dp/B00204CQF6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=VSSDQIRCHLD0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMS

Then just hook it up, make water, and pot the aerator back together. No one will be the wiser

 

[Glowurm]

Hello everyone!

I have recently got the urge to get a saltwater aquarium not sure how in-depth I want to go tho. Definitely going to stick to just fish and live rock. I currently have got a 55 gal tank with a HOB filter. The biggest problem I have ran into is my tap water even after using conditioners contain nitrites. I have added live bacteria to the tank and my ammonia levels are constantly 0 even after ghost feeding etc. it’s been 2 weeks and nitrites are still have. Nitrates are around a 10ppm and don’t budge much. I have dry rock in the tank and I have also gotten a piece of live rock that was in my LFS.

Does anyone have any tips for me. I was looking into RO/DI but I’m currently in an apartment and can’t hook anything up to my sinks.

If your not intending on keeping coral wouldn't get to hung up on Nitrite and Nitrate, however i would look to get a more reliable water source. Lot of ways to hook up an RO/DI unit, doesnt have to be permenant.

 

[BanZI29]

Welcome to our little piece of the reef.
You could go to your local fish store (LFS) and get saltwater from them for the time being.
do you have sand or bare bottom?
I also agree with getting a RODI system if you are not able to get water from your LFS

Welcome!!!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Hello everyone!

I have recently got the urge to get a saltwater aquarium not sure how in-depth I want to go tho. Definitely going to stick to just fish and live rock. I currently have got a 55 gal tank with a HOB filter. The biggest problem I have ran into is my tap water even after using conditioners contain nitrites. I have added live bacteria to the tank and my ammonia levels are constantly 0 even after ghost feeding etc. it’s been 2 weeks and nitrites are still have. Nitrates are around a 10ppm and don’t budge much. I have dry rock in the tank and I have also gotten a piece of live rock that was in my LFS.

Does anyone have any tips for me. I was looking into RO/DI but I’m currently in an apartment and can’t hook anything up to my sinks.

I have an rodi in my apartment/townhome. I was able to install mine under the sink simply by disconnecting one of the valves and using a pvc valve diverter I got from Home Depot. I highly recommend getting a rodi, it’ll save you a lot of trips to the lfs haha

 

[Klewtz]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

What test are you using for nitrite? I’ve seen nitrate in tap water but not nitrite.

What level of nitrite are you seeing?

Nitrite is not toxic to marine fish like it is for freshwater fish, but what you are seeing is called a “stuck cycle” and it is pretty common.

I use the API test kit, and currently my tank is setting at .25 nitrite which actually is lower than it has been. I tested my tap water this morning again and it is sitting at 1.0 ppm. Thank you for your reply!

 

[Klewtz]

Welcome to our little piece of the reef.
You could go to your local fish store (LFS) and get saltwater from them for the time being.
do you have sand or bare bottom?
I also agree with getting a RODI system if you are not able to get water from your LFS

Welcome!!!

I currently have a live sand bottom! And thank you for the info I will have to check with them to see if they offer water!

 

[Klewtz]

You should be able to unscrew the aerator on a faucet

https://plumbernw.com/blog/clean-a-faucet-aerator-for-better-water/

and find an adapter for a small RODI

amazon.com/Aquatic-Life-Changing-Deionization-Cartridge/dp/B00204CQF6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=VSSDQIRCHLD0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMS

Then just hook it up, make water, and pot the aerator back together. No one will be the wiser

Dang that is such a good idea and very doable! I didn't even think of this! Only problem I might have is finding an adaptor but I'm sure it's possible! Thank you so much for the info!