Nitartes are too high

[kyleflahardy]

the shrimp had a large bubble about the size of a pea near his mouth (Gas bubble disease) caused by high nitrates

 

[kyleflahardy]

this was my shrimp right before he died

 

[kyleflahardy]

note the large bubble on him

 

[Elementalj]

The salinity should be a constant, and never addition fresh after mixing. Take tests of the salinity of the tank, and then the new mix. I'd not add the ph additive as most mixes balance out at around 8.1-8.2. I'd wager you've hyper salinated.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I agree with @Elementalj Supersalination can also cause gas bubble disease. Such as Popeye in fish. What is your current tank salinity and what salinity do you keep the tank at? (Is that regularly checked?) nitrates can cause it, but I doubt that's the case here at the moment.

 

[kyleflahardy]

I agree with @Elementalj Supersalination can also cause gas bubble disease. Such as Popeye in fish. What is your current tank salinity and what salinity do you keep the tank at? (Is that regularly checked?) nitrates can cause it, but I doubt that's the case here at the moment.

I check my salinity regularly and I always make sure to keep it in the propor zone. I just checked and it is 1.022, right where it's supposed to be so I don't think that it was the salinity that killed the shrimp.

 

[Elementalj]

I check my salinity regularly and I always make sure to keep it in the propor zone. I just checked and it is 1.022, right where it's supposed to be so I don't think that it was the salinity that killed the shrimp.

Ok wow. How are you measuring? Hydrometer? Refractometer? I have three hydro meters that give three different readings of the same sample water.

 

[Elementalj]

I'm also thinking that 1.022 is on the low side. Bearing accuracy of your meter.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I would personally bump up a bit. I run mine at 1.026sg. Based on info provided, I'd agree, doesn't appear to be the cause tho. I'd begin to search for the source of ammonia. That in turn when goes through the cycle will turn into nitrite, and then nitrate. Any readings on nitrite?
My course of action would be rinse filter pads twice weekly. Large water change to start (30-40%). A good vac on the sand. Then every other day vac another portion of sand and water change at 10-15% until trates and amm have reduced. Add a power head to increase circulation over surface of live rock to allow the beneficial bacteria to break down waste. Ammonia ideally and realistically 0.0. Nitrate varies on what type of livestock you keep.

 

[Elementalj]

I would personally bump up a bit. I run mine at 1.026sg. Based on info provided, I'd agree, doesn't appear to be the cause tho. I'd begin to search for the source of ammonia. That in turn when goes through the cycle will turn into nitrite, and then nitrate. Any readings on nitrite?
My course of action would be rinse filter pads twice weekly. Large water change to start (30-40%). A good vac on the sand. Then every other day vac another portion of sand and water change at 10-15% until trates and amm have reduced. Add a power head to increase circulation over surface of live rock to allow the beneficial bacteria to break down waste. Ammonia ideally and realistically 0.0. Nitrate varies on what type of livestock you keep.

Agreed. 1.026 is usually my standard.

 

[kyleflahardy]

Ok wow. How are you measuring? Hydrometer? Refractometer? I have three hydro meters that give three different readings of the same sample water.

I have no idea what I use. I bought whatever the people recommended at the fish store when I initially bought everything. You dip it in the water and the needle floats up.

 

[kyleflahardy]

Ok wow. How are you measuring? Hydrometer? Refractometer? I have three hydro meters that give three different readings of the same sample water.

I have no idea what I use. I bought whatever the people recommended at the fish store when I initially bought everything. You dip it in the water and the needle floats up.

I would personally bump up a bit. I run mine at 1.026sg. Based on info provided, I'd agree, doesn't appear to be the cause tho. I'd begin to search for the source of ammonia. That in turn when goes through the cycle will turn into nitrite, and then nitrate. Any readings on nitrite?
My course of action would be rinse filter pads twice weekly. Large water change to start (30-40%). A good vac on the sand. Then every other day vac another portion of sand and water change at 10-15% until trates and amm have reduced. Add a power head to increase circulation over surface of live rock to allow the beneficial bacteria to break down waste. Ammonia ideally and realistically 0.0. Nitrate varies on what type of livestock you keep.

thanks for the advice

 

[kyleflahardy]

Ok wow. How are you measuring? Hydrometer? Refractometer? I have three hydro meters that give three different readings of the same sample water.

I have no idea what I use. I bought whatever the people recommended at the fish store when I initially bought everything. You dip it in the water and the needle floats up.

 

[Elementalj]

I have no idea what I use. I bought whatever the people recommended at the fish store when I initially bought everything. You dip it in the water and the needle floats up.

thanks for the advice

Search Amazon for a salinity refractometer and some calibrating solution. Shouldn't be over 30. Those needle guys can be off believe me. [emoji53]

 

[Danj]

In my experience, there are way too many nitartes in this hobby.

...I'll see myself out.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I am adding distilled water that I add instant ocean salt and a ph balancer to to make it saltwater.

There is also DEFINITELY no need or desire for a pH balancer. That is only boosting alkalinity, and in IO it is plenty high.