Newbie, confused about nitrates

[cosac285]

When I started setting up my new tank, I let water flow for cycle.with live rock, sand. mangrove,chaeto and seaweed we called it lato in tagalog in my refugium no more water changes what so ever.those plants I mentioned are the best for nitraite ammonia remover and decoloration of the water. In natural way.and when I saw green algae in my tank, and that's the time I put snail for a start. after a week, some fish and so on.

 

[Fishinwall]

I'm not buying that rocks release nitrates back into the water because I also have a QT tank with no rocks in it... No sand either and the nitrates went up in that tank too. I only have two peppermint shrimp in it and some Calurpa.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

When you have nitrates that get really high.....180. Your rock absorbs some and it can be released back into the water at a later time.

I don't believe that happens with nitrate, only phosphate.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'm not buying that rocks release nitrates back into the water because I also have a QT tank with no rocks in it... No sand either and the nitrates went up in that tank too. I only have two peppermint shrimp in it and some Calurpa.

Nitrate doesn't bind to rock the way phosphate does.

 

[Fishinwall]

I don't believe that happens with nitrate, only phosphate.

Randy. So why would nitrates in a 20 gal tank with no rock or sand or fish increase in nitrates?

I took 6 gal from nitrate high display tank and added 12 more gal of fresh RO/DI saltwater to the tank for a total of about 18 gal. I had seeded a sponge filter in the sump of my display tank for about two weeks at end of cycle to bring bacteria into the QT tank.

Only added two peppermint shrimp and a small (4 x 3") bag of Calurpa to tank. After adding the fresh water the nitrates were at 40.... Few days later it went up over 80.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Randy. So why would nitrates in a 20 gal tank with no rock or sand or fish increase in nitrates?

I took 6 gal from nitrate high display tank and added 12 more gal of fresh RO/DI saltwater to the tank for a total of about 18 gal. I had seeded a sponge filter in the sump of my display tank for about two weeks at end of cycle to bring bacteria into the QT tank.

Only added two peppermint shrimp and a small (4 x 3") bag of Calurpa to tank. After adding the fresh water the nitrates were at 40.... Few days later it went up over 80.

I'm not sure what you observed exactly, but stirring up detritus might accelerate production of nitrate. Also, degradation of organics in the water will produce ammonia and then nitrate.

Nitrate testing is also not very accurate.

 

[Fishinwall]

What brand of salt do you use?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I use instant Ocean.

 

[phillrodrigo]

I'm not sure I would recommend carbon dosing at such a early stage. Not saying that it wont help but it should be a last resort. I would stick with water changes. Doing it with water changes should help you learn on proper husbandry. If a year down the road you have a tank full of fish and corals and you have a issue I don't see a issue carbon dosing just my opinion.

 

[Fishinwall]

I'm probably not going to dose to fix the nitrates, I'm going to do an 18 gal water change but I'm at the bottom of my first bucket of salt so I need to order another one first. Curious as to why you would think it would be better to wait for a year after I have a tank full before starting down the dosing path as opposed to trying it when my tank is not full of life. Although I'd probably be the first to agree that it probably isn't something I should do since I really don't understand it all.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I personally do not see any reason to not start organic carbon dosing as soon as nutrients become elevated in a reef aquarium. You are just accelerating natural processes.

 

[Fishinwall]

Aaahh. After changing out 18 gal of water (70gal tank). My nitrates the next day are still reading 160!!!!!

How much water do I need to waste to get them down?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Maybe the kit isn't accurate.

Try taking 1 part tank water and 3 parts RO/DI and see if the nitrate level has dropped by a factor of 4.

 

[Fishinwall]

I measured the new mix before I put in and it was zero. API Kit.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Try the dilution. Maybe the kit is just maxed out. The dilution can also give an actual value if that is the case.

 

[Fishinwall]

Anyone try this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/351217548103?lpid=82

 

[Fishinwall]

Anyone try this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/351217548103?lpid=82

Ok forget this...I think it is just for fresh water.

Randy. I read this: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/8/chemistry

Here's what I'm thinking.
My tank is just starting. My goal is SPS.
I started with 100 lbs dead rock
Mostly dead Tropic Eden sand, but 20lbs of live.
I tried to speed up the nitrogen cycle by dosing ammonia. Sept 29, 2014
Added about three pounds of live rock to sump at beginning of cycle. Aug 20, 2014
I'm sure I'm through the cycle, but now my nitrates are super high...160ppm

I have one emerald crab that has lived in this for one month. Now Nov 15, 2014
Since the end if the cycle, I've done at least three 10% water changes and now just recently an 18 gal change (26%).
Still high nitrates.

Is it ok for me to start adding fish slowly?
Keep doing weekly 10% water changes.
And do you think nitrates will eventually come down to acceptable levels?
I think I may buy some Cheato too...I do have some Caulerpa in my QT tank that I'm going to divide and place in the sump of my display. Or should I keep the Caulerpa out of my main display sump?

At what time can I start adding corals?

All advice/opinions welcome!!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, those binders don't work well in seawater, but they may bind some.

How much ammonia did you add during cycling?

Chaeto is a good choice for now. I like caulerpa and use it, but once in the display tank it becomes a terrible pest.

 

[Fishinwall]

Hmmm how do I add that up?...I have it but it may take me some time to calculate it. Just looking at the gallon...

This much.

 

[Fishinwall]

From 9/29 to 10/6