Soon to be reef chemistry

[rayr1027]

So I'm working on building up a reef tank. My tank is about 2 months old. Just did a water test today. These were my results

Copper: 0ppm
PH: 7.8
Nitrite: 5.0 (maybe higher, chart only goes to 5.0)
KH: 11
Phosphate: 0.25
Ammonia: 0.5
Calcium: 500ppm
Nitrate: 160 (maybe higher, chart only goes up to 160)

 

[Cory]

Sounds like the tank hasnt bacterial cycled yet, correct?

 

[Mal11224]

I agree, you getting high readings in your nitrogen cycle parameters. Detectable ammonia and nitrites shows you are still cycling. Keep testing, the cycle should eventually complete.

 

[Big G]

So I'm working on building up a reef tank. My tank is about 2 months old. Just did a water test today. These were my results

Copper: 0ppm
PH: 7.8
Nitrite: 5.0 (maybe higher, chart only goes to 5.0)
KH: 11
Phosphate: 0.25
Ammonia: 0.5
Calcium: 500ppm
Nitrate: 160 (maybe higher, chart only goes up to 160)

Welcome to R2R! How are you cycling your tank: pure ammonia, ghost feeding, etc.?

 

[MnFish1]

Seems like you need major water changes. with regards to the nitrate. If you are dosing something to 'cycle' - maybe cut that down. The nitrate suggests the the cycle is complete - but that you're adding too much of whatever you are adding - or if its curing live rock, etc - you need water changes - until the nitrate is lower (or another form of nitrate removal)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

So I'm working on building up a reef tank. My tank is about 2 months old. Just did a water test today. These were my results

Copper: 0ppm
PH: 7.8
Nitrite: 5.0 (maybe higher, chart only goes to 5.0)
KH: 11
Phosphate: 0.25
Ammonia: 0.5
Calcium: 500ppm
Nitrate: 160 (maybe higher, chart only goes up to 160)

The nitrate is likely a false reading. A little nitrite reads as a lot of nitrate with many kits. Sometimes 100x as much.