Water out if whack.

[djd3mon]

I started up a new frag tank by using 50% old rank water and fresh saltwater. I added 1 good sized rock in the aio sump area. I have had this up a month almost 1 month. I have done 0 water changes. Just to let things catch up. I'm planning to do a 25% waterchange this weekend....now maybe 100%. The rock (and 50% water) came from a tank that was 4 months old. I have only topped of water daily so far. 0 water changes. I use the red sea test kits. Are my nitrites out of whack or what's going on. Ive never seen this before. I have about 20 heads of frogspawn and hammers.

Temp: 78
pH: 8.0
Ammo: 0
Nitrite: 0.2
Nitrate: 5
Cal: 460
Alk: 3.7 / 10.4
Mg: 1620


Thanks.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I think it might be an anomaly. But even if it is real, nitites are of no concern to saltwater tanks....short of watching a tank cycle from ammonia to nitite to nitrate. Now freshwater is another thing with nitrites.

 

[djd3mon]

Yeah it threw me off a little. Seems like it would be cycling...but I know it's not.

Thanks

 

[Richmond]

If there are nitrites in the tank, it's cycling... Unless somehow your 4 month old tank hasn't completed the nitrogen cycle. I wouldn't worry about 5 ppm nitrates, just the nitrites.

 

[djd3mon]

The funny thing is the 4 month old tank has never tested positive for nitrites. (after the cycle anyways)

I tested only the nitrites last night and the nitrites were 0.

I am going to watch it. I am going to do a 25% water change today and see if it clears it up.

Thanks.

 

[Richmond]

I wouldn't do a water change on a cycling tank. I've never seen anyone say there is a benefit in doing so, only that it can delay your cycle by exporting beneficial bacteria.

I'd leave it alone. Patience is key!

 

[djd3mon]

I wouldn't do a water change on a cycling tank. I've never seen anyone say there is a benefit in doing so, only that it can delay your cycle by exporting beneficial bacteria.

I'd leave it alone. Patience is key!

Ok.