Question on Nitrate

[Maldonado]

Quick question in regards to nitrates. My system is 6 weeks old, that being said, the last week and a half my nitrate levels are still at 40ppm. How long more less does a nitrate spike last at the ending of the cycle? (Ph: 8.0 ammonia: 0 nitrite: 0 salinity: 1.204) let me include that I did a 10% WC 3 days ago. Any info is great help, thanks

 

[Reefing Madness]

Your good to go. Change another 25% to knowck em down a bit more, and your in.

 

[Maldonado]

Your good to go. Change another 25% to knowck em down a bit more, and your in.

Sweet, how soon can I do that water change ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What do you have in the way of nitrate export methods?

 

[Maldonado]

What do you have in the way of nitrate export methods?

I have some caulerpa growing in my fuge, they still look green and healthy. I also have a DSB. I usually rely on WC to bring them down but for some reason I'm not having success this time around.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Water changes are not usually adequate to keep nitrate low enough, but macroalgae and deep sand can be.

This has more comparing various methods:

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium - REEFEDITION

 

[beaslbob]

+1
IMHO nitrates can be a sign the tank has not yet fully settled in and the macros are consuming ammonia for nitrogen forgoing nitrates.
then finally nitrates drop down once the tank builds up enough aerobic bacteria.
Or you just don't have enough macros to consume the nitrates being generated.
my .02

 

[Maldonado]

+1
IMHO nitrates can be a sign the tank has not yet fully settled in and the macros are consuming ammonia for nitrogen forgoing nitrates.
then finally nitrates drop down once the tank builds up enough aerobic bacteria.
Or you just don't have enough macros to consume the nitrates being generated.
my .02

I believe I have enough. But then again what amount is enough?

 

[Maldonado]

Water changes are not usually adequate to keep nitrate low enough, but macroalgae and deep sand can be.

This has more comparing various methods:

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium - REEFEDITION

Thanks for the info

 

[beaslbob]

I believe I have enough. But then again what amount is enough?

the tank will tell you.

 

[Maldonado]

the tank will tell you.

Thanks for the info