Nitrates gone crazy

[Flower man]

So..... I bought my family business and I want to add my own touch to the shop. I have had a saltwater fish tank with some corals before(candy coral,button coral,brain coral). . The problem I having is instead of starting from the ground up I decided to try and take a short cut (which in the end always seems to back fire). I bought a completely up and running tank on Craigslist. I didn’t however check any of the chemical levels as I couldn’t get this amazing tank to the shop fast enough which I know that patients is a must for saltwater. Long story short is my nitrates are off the charts, I’ve done a 100% water change in a 5 day span with no success and even and a extra protein skimmer. My question is do I setup a holding tank and scrum the tank out or do I stick with the water changes? Or is there a other way I should be going about this?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Have you had the tests double checked?

 

[Flower man]

Have you had the tests double checked?

I’ve bought 2 new test and even taken a sample to my friend that has a pool store

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I’ve bought 2 new test and even taken a sample to my friend that has a pool store

Ouch.
And there's coral in it?
How much algae ?
Is the tank looking ok?

 

[Flower man]

Yes

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yes

Lol.

 

[Flower man]

The tank looks decent but there are signs of red algae starting today. Which have me very worried that’s it’s passed the point of no return.

 

[Flower man]

 

[Flower man]

That is not the light system I’m running. Worst mistake I made was buying that off amazon.

 

[Newb73]

Is that a current picture?

A little cyano is far from a death sentence.

I've had to remove cyano up to twice a week with a toothbrush while sps like monti were growing 1/2 inch per month.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Omg. What a great tank.

You are totally fine. Keep doing what you're doing.
Your going to get some uglies but you're fine.

Pick out some new hardy corals to get. And but some. I'd say zoa coolonies for one, think about future fish. Add real slow. It'll keep your mind off off the test numbers.
Let it settle

Nice find. really.

May I ask what lights is has?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Oh and are you on rodi water?

 

[Jennie]

Are there fish in it?

 

[Flower man]

Two clowns and four sea urchins

 

[Flower man]

Is that a current picture?

A little cyano is far from a death sentence.

I've had to remove cyano up to twice a week with a toothbrush while sps like monti were growing 1/2 inch per month.

That’s was this morning when I put the orbit marine light bar on with all the bells and whistles but no light.

 

[Flower man]

Oh and are you on rodi water?

I am using a RO for my top off and water changes which is testing between 1-4ppm

 

[Flower man]

Omg. What a great tank.

You are totally fine. Keep doing what you're doing.
Your going to get some uglies but you're fine.

Pick out some new hardy corals to get. And but some. I'd say zoa coolonies for one, think about future fish. Add real slow. It'll keep your mind off off the test numbers.
Let it settle

Nice find. really.

May I ask what lights is has?

Thank you for your confidence. I’ve been away from the hobby for a few years and I’m just worried that I may be missing something simple and don’t want to lose anything over a little oversight.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

You'll want to check that water for tds as well.
Some dr tims one and only. Good water and time. I think I should sort itself out.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Thank you for your confidence. I’ve been away from the hobby for a few years and I’m just worried that I may be missing something simple and don’t want to lose anything over a little oversight.

Def hang out here more for sure. I've Learned a lot.

Look at the stickies and articles at the top of the forums too. Refreshers are good.

The chemistry section alone is easy basic to very advanced.


But also trust your eye.

Maybe post up a build thread. Great place to keep track and ask questions and show off.

Leave some room on the top for the sps. Btw.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

That’s was this morning when I put the orbit marine light bar on with all the bells and whistles but no light.

You have a current orbit? Pro with lenses or none.

How deep is the tank?