Saltwater test level— need help.

[Arod0416]

So I just added new fishes to my 55 gallon tank. This is a new tank that has been running for a couples Of months. So, it’s been two days since I added fishes and my saltwater test kit reads:

Ph level: 8.2
Ammonia level: 0.25 ppm
Nitrite level: 0 ppm
Nitrate level: 40 ppm.

how do I reduce the nitrate level??
I know partial water changes but that has not been helping.
Any suggestions???

 

[esther]

Ammonia should really be at 0ppm as well. When was the last time you did a water change and what was the %?

 

[Arod0416]

Ammonia should really be at 0ppm as well. When was the last time you did a water change and what was the %?

I haven’t done a water change, I would just add water to the tank when the water will go low. My ammonia level is near 0 ppm. Is it that bad that it’s not on 0ppm at all?

 

[Lizbeli]

I wouldn’t worry about the nitrates, focus on the ammonia.

How big of a water change at a time are you able to do? What kind of fish did you add? You are getting ammonia because you haven’t built enough bacteria to handle the fish load/feeding. Test every day if not multiple times and do water changes if ammonia rises.

 

[Iamjeff6]

I haven’t done a water change, I would just add water to the tank when the water will go low. My ammonia level is near 0 ppm. Is it that bad that it’s not on 0ppm at all?

Near and at 0 are 2 totally different things. You want 0 ammonia

Also I’m confused, you said water changes aren’t working then you say you haven’t done one yet...

 

[Kyuss414]

What test kits are you using? At least a few years ago most seemed to agree it was common for API ammonia tests to show 0.25ppm when there really wasn't. Also, I would think if that were the case there would be some nitrite showing as well.

As far as the nitrates, I would just start doing proper water changes routinely (ie actually removing salt water and replacing with newly mixed salt water, not just topping off evaporated water with fresh water) and monitor it for now since it's still a new tank finding it's balance.

 

[esther]

I haven’t done a water change, I would just add water to the tank when the water will go low. My ammonia level is near 0 ppm. Is it that bad that it’s not on 0ppm at all?

I would start with a 20% water change and see how your parameters are after you do it.

 

[Arod0416]

Near and at 0 are 2 totally different things. You want 0 ammonia

Also I’m confused, you said water changes aren’t working then you say you haven’t done one yet...

I just thought that adding water when the water is low is considered a partial water change. But, it is not. So, I apologize for that.

 

[Arod0416]

What test kits are you using? At least a few years ago most seemed to agree it was common for API ammonia tests to show 0.25ppm when there really wasn't. Also, I would think if that were the case there would be some nitrite showing as well.

As far as the nitrates, I would just start doing proper water changes routinely (ie actually removing salt water and replacing with newly mixed salt water, not just topping off evaporated water with fresh water) and monitor it for now since it's still a new tank finding it's balance.

I am using the API test kits. My nitirite reads 0. But, I am going to the partial water change tonight and see what happens. Will I notice a difference right away or should I test it again tomorrow?

 

[krash7172]

Are these fish the first live animals? If so, the tank will probably have to cycle.

 

[Arod0416]

I wouldn’t worry about the nitrates, focus on the ammonia.

How big of a water change at a time are you able to do? What kind of fish did you add? You are getting ammonia because you haven’t built enough bacteria to handle the fish load/feeding. Test every day if not multiple times and do water changes if ammonia rises.

I can do any amount of water change. I just thought adding water was a water change but I realize it is not. I started adding new fish to my tank two days ago. I have chromis, a yellow tang, goby, and a bonding pair clown fishes.

 

[Arod0416]

Are these fish the first live animals? If so, the tank will probably have to cycle.

Yes, they are the first live Animals. How long does it take for the tank to cycle?

 

[eraserhead187]

I am using the API test kits. My nitirite reads 0. But, I am going to the partial water change tonight and see what happens. Will I notice a difference right away or should I test it again tomorrow?

The API test kits are garbage for saltwater. Yiu are actually probably at 0ppm ammonia, it just gets cloudy and tends to have a bit of a green hue to it under certain light even at 0 with those kits. You could get an ammonia badge or something. Have you had fish in the tank for a few months? If so it is unlikely that you have ammonia unless you added a bunch of fish at once and overwhelmed the ammonia fixing bacteria population. If you do indeed have some ammonia, you could use some Prime to detoxify it.

 

[eraserhead187]

Ahh, well if you have not had anything there then you are probably cycling. Get some Prime in there Stat. I thought you had fish in there for a few months and just added more. A tank won't really cycle without some source of food for the bacteria.

 

[Arod0416]

I had my tank running with no fishes for a couple of months. Just 2 days ago I added about 6 fishes at one. Of course I acclimated them but, all of them was introduced to the tank at the same time. So, I used the API master test kit and seen my ammonia at 0.25 ppm.

 

[Arod0416]

Ahh, well if you have not had anything there then you are probably cycling. Get some Prime in there Stat. I thought you had fish in there for a few months and just added more. A tank won't really cycle without some source of food for the bacteria.

Since I just added all my fishes two days ago, when I feed them for the next few weeks or months. Bacterial will build up? Which means it is good because it will lower my ammonia level?
Sorry I am new to this and I did some research but many articles have different opinions and advices.

 

[Lizbeli]

That is a large bioload for a new tank. Depending on the rock you started with, you probably didn’t cycle the tank when you had it up for months. You need to add ammonia to start the cycle.

I would say you have two options.

#1 The best practice would be to return the fish and cycle with pure ammonia. “Dr.Tims ammonia” is best for beginners. Also add a bottle of Dr.Tims Bacteria. After the tank is cycled, add stock SLOWLY. Read up on “Fishless cycling” to know when the tank is ready for fish.

#2 (not recommended for sake of the fish) Keep the fish and preform daily water changes to keep ammonia low. At some point your tank may be able to handle the bioload. But honestly thats a lot of fish. You may get by with keeping one or two and still doing water changes to keep ammonia safe.

 

[eraserhead187]

O

I had my tank running with no fishes for a couple of months. Just 2 days ago I added about 6 fishes at one. Of course I acclimated them but, all of them was introduced to the tank at the same time. So, I used the API master test kit and seen my ammonia at 0.25 ppm.

Oh yeah, you're lucky if all you have is 0.25 ammonia. Watch for that to possibly rise quickly. 0 to 6 fish in an uncycled tank can be really rough. Keep testing and adding Prime, and doing frequent water changes. Might see if you can hunt down a better ammonia test kit. Salifert makes nice stuff. My also consider some live bacteria in a bottle, or better yet, some live rock from an established tank. With that route, don't let it dry out. Transport it in tank water from the tank it came out of.

 

[krash7172]

No prob. Tons of info on this forum. Search tank cycling. Yes, bacteria will grow. I would feed sparingly and make sure you keep the water oxygenated.

 

[Arod0416]

Yeah all I have is 0.25 ppm but, I want to keep it low as possible I am going to order prime and do a partial water change over the next two days. Let’s see how it turns out for me