Nitrates constantly at15-20ppm

[Pntbll687]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I'll try adding some sand to thicken my bed. I have some live left over so I will just rinse the crap out of it.

Regarding the API test, i shake the **** out of it. I'll buy a salifert rest and see if they differ,

I don't think adding sand is going to help very much. With such a be small tank you can easily control nutrients with water changes.

If I were you, I would leave everything alone for at least a month. Test nitrates once a week, and perform a 25-50% water change as needed. Try waiting two weeks to do a water change. If nitrates are still at 15-20 after two weeks, then you be probably have enough good bacteria in the system to process all but those nitrates, WHICH IS PERFECTLY FINE.

 

[Lonely reefer's]

Probably the same price API

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the replies. I follow the api instructions to the T. Same results before and after. Ro/DI is nitrate free. I'm thinking maybe a faulty test. I'll get the intank basket sooner than later for some assurance and assistance. Beyond that, if the tank looks to be doing well then I'll just keep doing what I'm doing.

 

[JDtimk]

I agree with pntbll687. Adding sand won't help and it may make things temporarily worse. You should be able to manage your shallow sand bed just fine with regular vacuuming at water changes. Try to find some cool looking macro algae to add to your display that will grow utilizing the nutrients in your tank. If you find the right algae it will almost auto regulate the nutrient level if you are careful about how much you feed the tank and how much algae you harvest. I have a nice little tuft of dragon's breath macro algae in my 13 gal reef tank and it is growing into the nutrient export role nicely over time.

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

I've been thinking of some sort of plant/algae. Ill go head and grab some this week. Thanks!

 

[Mwhitedesigns]

Just an update. Nitrates are stable at 5 PPM. I've also added some Red Grape Macro (Botryocladia) and some Red Bush Macro (Gracilaria Hayi). Thanks everyone!

Also, Happy New Year!