Nitrate too high

[shivram]

Hello everyone ,
I have setup a new 170 g tank , and have started cycling from 20 days , and recently bought a salifert test kit

And my report are
Ammonia 0.5
Nitrite 0.25
Nitrate 100
Phosphate 0.03

Why is my nitrate too high what should i do please giude me

 

[DMG Reef]

It's my understanding that if you're tank is cycling and you're getting nitrite readings, the tests for nitrate won't be accurate. Something about the presence of nitrite interfering with the nitrate reading.

 

[shivram]

It's my understanding that if you're tank is cycling and you're getting nitrite readings, the tests for nitrate won't be accurate. Something about the presence of nitrite interfering with the nitrate reading.

Thanks a lot. Are my results good ?? Can i add fishes ?

 

[408Dartfish]

I’d wait for Fish tell your nitrite is at zero, and do a water change after nitrite is 0 to lower your nitrates down before Fish. Dustin

 

[shivram]

I’d wait for Fish tell your nitrite is at zero, and do a water change after nitrite is 0 to lower your nitrates down before Fish. Dustin

Ok.. how much water change should i do.?? And should i add reef salt again after water change ??

 

[mcarroll]

Phosphate 0.03

Nitrates should fall noticeably over time without assistance.

If you notice nitrate levels rising or seeming to stand still even once nitrites have all processed out, then something is limiting their use.

In your case phosphates are likely. 0.03 is within spitting distance (aka the tester's accuracy level) of zero.

Same thing if your nitrites won't process out.....all bacteria and other life needs phosphates to grow, multiply, etc, so any and all of them can be subject to this kind of a limit.

IF (if!) you think this is happening, then you may have to add some phosphates to get things growing again.

You shouldn't have to take any action directly against the nitrates themselves though.

 

[408Dartfish]

Ok.. how much water change should i do.?? And should i add reef salt again after water change ??

I would wait for the nitrites to settle at zero. If your still battling high nitrates after the cycle and it’s not lowering on its own. I would do a 25% RODI salt water change. Dustin.

 

[LMDAVE]

I never used the Salifert Nitrate test kit before, but isn't that the kit that has two separate scales depending on how you use it? The site says, There are two scales on the chart measuring 0.2 to 10 PPM and 2 to 100 PPM.

Just seems like a pretty high nitrate number during cycling with no fish, and your nitrites are already down to 0.25

 

[shivram]

I never used the Salifert Nitrate test kit before, but isn't that the kit that has two separate scales depending on how you use it? The site says, There are two scales on the chart measuring 0.2 to 10 PPM and 2 to 100 PPM.

Just seems like a pretty high nitrate number during cycling with no fish, and your nitrites are already down to 0.25

Yes. And it's 100ppm [emoji22]

 

[DMG Reef]

Yes. And it's 100ppm [emoji22]

Maybe, but maybe not 100ppm. Wait until your nitrite reads zero, then re-test your nitrate. I wouldn't worry until your tank is cycled.

 

[DMG Reef]

Ok.. how much water change should i do.?? And should i add reef salt again after water change ??

Just to be clear, you don't add fresh water then salt to your tank?? Just clarifying that you know to mix the salt in another container then add to tank.

 

[LMDAVE]

Just saying if you are somehow using the "Low End" test procedure your 100 is really 10. I'm not sure exactly how the kit works, but if you are sure that you are using the medium range test procedure, then yeah, your 100 is 100.

 

[shivram]

Maybe, but maybe not 100ppm. Wait until your nitrite reads zero, then re-test your nitrate. I wouldn't worry until your tank is cycled.

Thanks a lot... i will wait and check again