Ammonia/Nitrate/Nitrite slightly up in Quarantine Tank. Should I start copper treatment?

[albertski]

I had trouble cycling my quarantine tank with Dr. Tims, so I tried Fritz Turbo Start after two weeks. The ammonia went down to 0 after a week, but the nitrate/nitrite was slightly above zero, but after asking around, everyone mentioned going ahead with adding in some clownfish. I added the clownfish but noticed the ammonia went up slightly. After seven days, I changed 50% of the water, and still finding ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite slightly above zero.

Should I proceed with copper treatment?

Parameters:
Ammonia: .2 ppm
Nitrite: .5 ppm
Nitrate: 1 ppm
Alkalinity: 7 dKH
PH: 8,0
Salinity: 1.027 d SG

You can watch a video of my tank here:

 

[vetteguy53081]

If you’re using API TEST kits, you’re likely getting false readings.
Copper start ok- be sure to monitor copper levels with a reliable test kit(not API) and increase oxygen with an air stone

 

[albertski]

If you’re using API TEST kits, you’re likely getting false readings.
Copper start ok- be sure to monitor copper levels with a reliable test kit(not API) and increase oxygen with an air stone

I'm using:
Red Sea Ammonia Test Kit
MultiTest - Nitrite & Nitrate - Seachem
Red Sea pH / Alkalinity Test Kit

 

[vetteguy53081]

I'm using:
Red Sea Ammonia Test Kit
MultiTest - Nitrite & Nitrate - Seachem
Red Sea pH / Alkalinity Test Kit

Good
You need to get at least the ammonia down

 

[albertski]

Good
You need to get at least the ammonia down

What do you recommend I do to bring the ammonia down? My plan is to change 10% of the water every seven days. Do you think I should be changing the water more frequently since it is a quarantine tank?

 

[vetteguy53081]

What do you recommend I do to bring the ammonia down? My plan is to change 10% of the water every seven days. Do you think I should be changing the water more frequently since it is a quarantine tank?

That should be adequate. Assure you’re not getting false test results and also if the ammonia is not reducing from water changes- look closely at effectiveness of your filtration

 

[albertski]

That should be adequate. Assure you’re not getting false test results and also if the ammonia is not reducing from water changes- look closely at effectiveness of your filtration

Should I be cleaning out the filter every week too? I was thinking that the bacteria is in there so I haven't been touching it.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Should I be cleaning out the filter every week too? I was thinking that the bacteria is in there so I haven't been touching it.

Cleaning or changing should be part of weekly maintenance
The bacteria within tank is the one you want to preserve

 

[albertski]

I did a water 10% - 20% water change and the next day:


Ammonia: .2ppm
Nitrite: 10 mg/L
Nitrate: 20 mg/L
Alkalinity: 6dKH
Salinity: 1.027 d SG
PH: 8.2

Then the following day (today) the same thing:

Ammonia: .2ppm
Nitrite: 10 mg/L
Nitrate: 20 mg/L
Alkalinity: 6dKH
Salinity: 1.027 d SG
PH: 8.2

Ammonia slightly up but Nitrite / Nitrate shot up. What do you think I should do?