Nitrites and Nitrates higher in QT

[tdowning]

Wondering if because of the lack of a biological filter in my QT that my nitrites and nitrates are going to natural run higher. Nitrites are running between 1.0-2.0 ppm and Nitrates are running between 60-80 ppm.

I may just need to do more frequent water changes than I currently am at once every two weeks.

Tank is 75 gallon QT tank; bare bottom with some pvc pipe in it.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Correct. In our main tanks, we have live rock to house all the beneficial bacteria to break down ammonia and nitrates. Plus a clean up crew, skimmer, sump ect... depended in what equipment you have on your quarantine tank, nutrients may run higher than you're used to because you don't have that additional means of nutrient export.

 

[User]

Why not run an oversized hob, cycle a bunch of pads, and avoid stressing the animals with huge excess of nutrients compared to the tank they just came out of/ are about to go into?

I have a 40b with an aquaclear 70, and several 10’s with AQ 20’s. Nitrites are zero once properly cycled