Nitrates have not changed

[EvanStorzuk]

I have been cycling my tank for over 3 weeks now, my ammonia is 0, my nitrite is 0, but my nitrate has not changed since it spiked to 20ppm. I have a protein skimmer on and live rocks as my source of bacteria. My ammonia and nitrites have been at 0 for almost a week and nitrate is the exact same. any suggestions?

 

[therootcause]

What method were you using to achieve the 20ppm Nitrate?

It will remain 20 until you remove it with a refugium, water change, chemicals...maaaybe your skimmer can lower the nitrate after it's already absorbed into the water column? I know the skimmer is great at removing organics before they break down but not sure what it can do after they are in the water as nitrate.

 

[MnFish1]

Suggestion - put fish in your tank

 

[EvanStorzuk]

What method were you using to achieve the 20ppm Nitrate?

It will remain 20 until you remove it with a refugium, water change, chemicals...maaaybe your skimmer can lower the nitrate after it's already absorbed into the water column? I know the skimmer is great at removing organics before they break down but not sure what it can do after they are in the water as nitrate.

I put a raw shrimp from a shrimp ring in to start my cycle. I dont have a light on my tank, should I just do a water change, turn my light on and go buy a snail once diatoms show up?

 

[MnFish1]

There is no issue - your ammonia is zero, your nitrite (insignificant anyway) is zero - and you have nitrate - Suggest you stop measuring and put a fish in..

 

[MnFish1]

PS - which nitrate test are you using.

 

[EvanStorzuk]

PS - which nitrate test are you using.

im using an api master test kit. I was told that I should get snails before hand to deal with the algae that will come with my light

 

[I never finish anythi]

Agreed I'd get a small fish and put it in the tank after I'd done a water change tho . And I'd leave light off for now .

 

[EvanStorzuk]

Agreed I'd get a small fish and put it in the tank after I'd done a water change tho . And I'd leave light off for now .

what will adding a fish do compared to turning the light on and adding snails?