Nitrates are too high

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saullman

saullman

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Hi, I just did some basic tests today because I don't have the correct test kit. Just ordered a Red Sea Foundation Pro test kit today. However what I found today is that my nitrates are high
(15 ppm). It hasn't been an issue in the past, but I noticed that I am getting hair algae in my tank. I'm not sure if the algae is related to the problem or not, but I though I would test whatever I could with the equipment I had. What is the best way to lower nitrates?

2nd Question- in terms of CUC. Right now I have a 45 gal JBJ tank. First tank in over 10 years. I figured I'd start out small. I have a clown, angel, goby, and Wrasse as far as fish. I just started buying some LPS (first time ever with corals). My clean up crew is lacking. I have 2 x nassarious snails and had an emerald crab however, he died about a week ago. What should I have in my 45 in term of a CUC to take care of some of this algae?
 
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What type of water are you using? Tap water can often have additional things in it that can cause that sort of issue.
 
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saullman said:
Hi, I just did some basic tests today because I don't have the correct test kit. Just ordered a Red Sea Foundation Pro test kit today. However what I found today is that my nitrates are high
(15 ppm). It hasn't been an issue in the past, but I noticed that I am getting hair algae in my tank. I'm not sure if the algae is related to the problem or not, but I though I would test whatever I could with the equipment I had. What is the best way to lower nitrates?

2nd Question- in terms of CUC. Right now I have a 45 gal JBJ tank. First tank in over 10 years. I figured I'd start out small. I have a clown, angel, goby, and Wrasse as far as fish. I just started buying some LPS (first time ever with corals). My clean up crew is lacking. I have 2 x nassarious snails and had an emerald crab however, he died about a week ago. What should I have in my 45 in term of a CUC to take care of some of this algae?
Click to expand...
In terms of clean up crew I would look into reef cleaners. They have CUC packages for all tank sizes and they are fantastic.
 
saullman said:
Hi, I just did some basic tests today because I don't have the correct test kit. Just ordered a Red Sea Foundation Pro test kit today. However what I found today is that my nitrates are high
(15 ppm). It hasn't been an issue in the past, but I noticed that I am getting hair algae in my tank. I'm not sure if the algae is related to the problem or not, but I though I would test whatever I could with the equipment I had. What is the best way to lower nitrates?
Click to expand...

I maybe be wrong, but when it comes to GHA, I'd check my phosphates.
 
15 ppm nitrates is what most would consider spot on !! ... my tank runs constantly at 25 ppm without any problems or algea .. if you have algea problems then i agree with @GoVols that you need too check Your phosphate !!!
 
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Definitely agree with @GoVols and @Jason mack. I would check your phosphates and get a larger CUC to keep any algae in check. Your nitrates might be high for some, but they are certainly in the ballpark. If you really want to bring them down, a 20% water change each week until they get to where you want them would work.
 
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I don't have a test kit for phosphates yet, but I will take a water sample to my lfs to test this week.
As far as a clean-up crew what would you guys suggest?
 
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I have a 30 gallon biocube with 6 Astrea snails, 4 hermits, emerald crab, and a nosarious snail. Hermits don't really so all that much and they can mess with the corals from time to time. How long are you running your lights for? You should only be running them about 8-10 hrs a day. I had an issue with algae and shortening the lighting Was The answer. I did a two day blackout which also helped a lot. Corals didn't like it much bit they survived and didn't loose colour.Like anything in this hobby, what may work for me may not work for you.
 
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