New saltwater hobbyists

Landenb20 · Jan 20, 2021

Nitrates Super High During Cycle? I just started my first saltwater tank one week ago after a few years of freshwater keeping and it’s been quite exciting getting it all set up. I’m not really super old or even out of high school yet so I don’t really have a job so i wanted to make it as affordable to myself as possible. Unfortunately I started with a 3 gallon pico thinking itd be cool to have a mini reef to start but I found through research it’d be much more challenging at the size I have to keep up with parameters but I don’t plan on having much bioload. I’ve got my master kit and after 10 days my nitrites are at 0ppm but nitrates at 80!?!? I have 0ppm on ammonia and I’ve got 4 stomatella snails hitchhiked from the live rock. Someone pls help me to figure out my nitrates problem because I’m not sure if I should do water changes or just keep topping off the tank for another month and test then? Please help!!!!!

Billldg · Jan 20, 2021

Welcome to R2R!!!

Specific Ocean · Jan 20, 2021

Welcome!

ShepherdReefer · Jan 20, 2021

Hello and welcome to the channel.

SaltyT · Jan 20, 2021

Welcome to R2R! We're glad you joined us!

Ippyroy · Jan 20, 2021

Welcome to R2R!

Blutspitze · Jan 20, 2021

Welcome to the forums! as others have mentioned, the best bet right now would be a large water change, most likely from a local store (I'm guessing you don't have an in-house water maker... thing). Just remember also that there's always a few bumps in the road to deal with, but you'll get through!

KWT · Jan 20, 2021

Welcome to R2R, come in sit down and relax, enjoy

patrick886 · Jan 20, 2021

Welcome to the community

Macbalacano · Jan 20, 2021

Landenb20 said:
Nitrates Super High During Cycle? I just started my first saltwater tank one week ago after a few years of freshwater keeping and it’s been quite exciting getting it all set up. I’m not really super old or even out of high school yet so I don’t really have a job so i wanted to make it as affordable to myself as possible. Unfortunately I started with a 3 gallon pico thinking itd be cool to have a mini reef to start but I found through research it’d be much more challenging at the size I have to keep up with parameters but I don’t plan on having much bioload. I’ve got my master kit and after 10 days my nitrites are at 0ppm but nitrates at 80!?!? I have 0ppm on ammonia and I’ve got 4 stomatella snails hitchhiked from the live rock. Someone pls help me to figure out my nitrates problem because I’m not sure if I should do water changes or just keep topping off the tank for another month and test then? Please help!!!!!

Welcome!

Salty Rambler · Jan 20, 2021

Welcome to R2R! As you've noted, your tank size will make the learning curve a bit steeper, but you've come to the right place for lots of helpful tips.

CMMorgan · Jan 20, 2021

Landenb20 said:
Nitrates Super High During Cycle? I just started my first saltwater tank one week ago after a few years of freshwater keeping and it’s been quite exciting getting it all set up. I’m not really super old or even out of high school yet so I don’t really have a job so i wanted to make it as affordable to myself as possible. Unfortunately I started with a 3 gallon pico thinking itd be cool to have a mini reef to start but I found through research it’d be much more challenging at the size I have to keep up with parameters but I don’t plan on having much bioload. I’ve got my master kit and after 10 days my nitrites are at 0ppm but nitrates at 80!?!? I have 0ppm on ammonia and I’ve got 4 stomatella snails hitchhiked from the live rock. Someone pls help me to figure out my nitrates problem because I’m not sure if I should do water changes or just keep topping off the tank for another month and test then? Please help!!!!!

Have you tested for phosphates? There may be a connection.
For now, I would continue with water changes. You are still early in the cycle. Remember ... this is a marathon, not a race. Welcome to the reef!

Weasel1960 · Jan 20, 2021

Welcome aboard, good luck with your tank.

fishguy242 · Jan 21, 2021

hi welcome to the reef going to love it here!!
lots of fun/info/fun/help/fun....

rubertoe93 · Jan 21, 2021

Welcome!!

KingTideCorals · Jan 24, 2021

Landenb20 said:
Nitrates Super High During Cycle? I just started my first saltwater tank one week ago after a few years of freshwater keeping and it’s been quite exciting getting it all set up. I’m not really super old or even out of high school yet so I don’t really have a job so i wanted to make it as affordable to myself as possible. Unfortunately I started with a 3 gallon pico thinking itd be cool to have a mini reef to start but I found through research it’d be much more challenging at the size I have to keep up with parameters but I don’t plan on having much bioload. I’ve got my master kit and after 10 days my nitrites are at 0ppm but nitrates at 80!?!? I have 0ppm on ammonia and I’ve got 4 stomatella snails hitchhiked from the live rock. Someone pls help me to figure out my nitrates problem because I’m not sure if I should do water changes or just keep topping off the tank for another month and test then? Please help!!!!!

Welcome to Reef2Reef! A great place to learn from others and meet people that are just as obsessed as yourself with such an amazing hobby!

If you are new and looking for possibly something to follow along with and check out my YouTube channel could be helpful in your journey in the saltwater hobby. Feel free to message me anytime too with questions you may have! Hope you get a chance to check out the channel, and let me know how you like it!

Again... Welcome!

smiilez33 · Feb 1, 2021

Landenb20 said:
Nitrates Super High During Cycle? I just started my first saltwater tank one week ago after a few years of freshwater keeping and it’s been quite exciting getting it all set up. I’m not really super old or even out of high school yet so I don’t really have a job so i wanted to make it as affordable to myself as possible. Unfortunately I started with a 3 gallon pico thinking itd be cool to have a mini reef to start but I found through research it’d be much more challenging at the size I have to keep up with parameters but I don’t plan on having much bioload. I’ve got my master kit and after 10 days my nitrites are at 0ppm but nitrates at 80!?!? I have 0ppm on ammonia and I’ve got 4 stomatella snails hitchhiked from the live rock. Someone pls help me to figure out my nitrates problem because I’m not sure if I should do water changes or just keep topping off the tank for another month and test then? Please help!!!!!

I did 10% water changed weekly.. I went through a pretty UGLY time when I cycled.. cyano.. diatoms.. you name it... I consistently did my water changes weekly and in time it fixed itself..