Hi there,
Last Friday, I have introduced my first fish (Premnas Biaculatus) into my tank (RSR 170). There is no other livestock in the tank.
100% dry rocks.
Just before introducing the fish, I did a large water change. Almost 50% percent of the total volume, after which my parameters were as follow:
- Salinity: 1025
- T°: 25° C
- Nitrites : 0
- Nitrates: between 10 and 25 ppm
- PO4: 0.2 ppm
- pH: 8.3
- Kh: 9.6
Three days later (Monday) I checked Nitrates and found out that the values had doubled. I could read somewhere between 25 and 50 ppm, or even between and 100 ppm (I have difficulties distinguishing between the different purples of the salifert test kit)
I'm surprised because I cleaned everything when I did the water change. I mean I cleaned the black filter foam and placed a clean filter sock into the tank. I repeat this operation every three days. I do my best to look after nitrates.
To make sure I don't overfeed, I feed my only fish with pliers. (OCEAN NUTRITION Flakes)
My skimmer (DELTEC 1351) skims very very clear color (evidence that the water is not that polluted). I even remember the foam being much darker when there no fish in the tank.
I try to be careful regarding Nitrates since this was main cause why I left the hobby a few years ago. I learned from my mistakes.
I have a 5-stage RO/DI system. Nitrates are undetectable in my RO/DI water.
Do you guys have an idea about what might the cause of this nitrates rise?
I'm planning on doing another large water change tomorrow.
I have already ordered NOPOX, but I'd rather know the reasons behind that problem before adding any stuff.
Thank you for your help.
Kay
Last Friday, I have introduced my first fish (Premnas Biaculatus) into my tank (RSR 170). There is no other livestock in the tank.
100% dry rocks.
Just before introducing the fish, I did a large water change. Almost 50% percent of the total volume, after which my parameters were as follow:
- Salinity: 1025
- T°: 25° C
- Nitrites : 0
- Nitrates: between 10 and 25 ppm
- PO4: 0.2 ppm
- pH: 8.3
- Kh: 9.6
Three days later (Monday) I checked Nitrates and found out that the values had doubled. I could read somewhere between 25 and 50 ppm, or even between and 100 ppm (I have difficulties distinguishing between the different purples of the salifert test kit)
I'm surprised because I cleaned everything when I did the water change. I mean I cleaned the black filter foam and placed a clean filter sock into the tank. I repeat this operation every three days. I do my best to look after nitrates.
To make sure I don't overfeed, I feed my only fish with pliers. (OCEAN NUTRITION Flakes)
My skimmer (DELTEC 1351) skims very very clear color (evidence that the water is not that polluted). I even remember the foam being much darker when there no fish in the tank.
I try to be careful regarding Nitrates since this was main cause why I left the hobby a few years ago. I learned from my mistakes.
I have a 5-stage RO/DI system. Nitrates are undetectable in my RO/DI water.
Do you guys have an idea about what might the cause of this nitrates rise?
I'm planning on doing another large water change tomorrow.
I have already ordered NOPOX, but I'd rather know the reasons behind that problem before adding any stuff.
Thank you for your help.
Kay
