Nitrate 160ppm+ help needed

cmcoker · Jun 28, 2016

Stevew36 said:
Using tap water. Declorinated. I've test my tape water comes out 0 ammonia 0 nitrites 0 nitrate

Hmm, what the goal on the tank? Fish only? Or reef? Tap may have metals and other stuff in it that's harmful to coral.. What is the TDS of the tap water?

I'd recommend looking at this kit from spectrapure: http://spectrapure.com/Aquarium-RO...ment-Filter Kit-TDS Meters-Chlorine-Test-Kit

We are water keepers, best thing is to start with pure water, then you aren't guessing what's in it or not...

Stevew36 · Jun 28, 2016

Dan McNertney said:
^thats your problem.

How so if my tap water tests 0 for everything? I don't live in Zimbabwe.

Stevew36 · Jun 28, 2016

cmcoker said:
Hmm, what the goal on the tank? Fish only? Or reef? Tap may have metals and other stuff in it that's harmful to coral.. What is the TDS of the tap water?

I'd recommend looking at this kit from spectrapure: http://spectrapure.com/Aquarium-RO-DI-Starter Kit-Includes-RODI-System-Replacement-Filter Kit-TDS Meters-Chlorine-Test-Kit

We are water keepers, best thing is to start with pure water, then you aren't guessing what's in it or not...

Yes it sounds like a fresh start I will go purchase some r/o water. and wash sand and rocks

Stevew36 · Jun 28, 2016

Stevew36 said:
Yes it sounds like a fresh start I will go purchase some r/o water. and wash sand and rocks

Goal is fish only tank.

cmcoker · Jun 28, 2016

Stevew36 said:
Yes it sounds like a fresh start I will go purchase some r/o water. and wash sand and rocks

Sounds good. I'd recommend investing in your own rodi, then you can be assured the filters are changed on time, water is actually 0 TDS, don't have to lug buckets around town, can have water on demand during store off hours, etc.

It really is the best thing you can purchase for keeping a reef aquarium.

I toted water for a year from the lfs, I do not miss those days. Now I just roll my brute can around the house, and mixing my own salt is better too. The lfs would have variance on sg. you only get the salt mix they use, don't have a choice on brand of salt etc..

Good luck with the cleaning!

cmcoker · Jun 28, 2016

Stevew36 said:
Goal is fish only tank.

Good you have a little bit more tolerance on your nitrates then since your only having to keep algae down, not keep coral alive.

Let us know how your readings settle out after the cleaning.

I would watch for a mini cycle (ammonia) but I just did this on a well established but smaller tank (biocube) and had zero ammonia show after the deep clean.