Nitrates

[ChrisK]

I can't seem to get my nitrates to go down. I started with higher than normal nitrates in my fish only tank. I removed the fish, all the gravel and crud in it, cleaned the tank walls filters, and did a 25 gallon water change (75 gallon tank). I added new live sand (40lbs) and 80-90lbs of cured live rock. I also added a new sump. I keep doing water changes and the levels go down slightly then rise back up. What am I doing wrong?

[Whoyah]

I removed the fish, all the gravel and crud in it, cleaned the tank walls filters, and did a 25 gallon water change (75 gallon tank). I added new live sand (40lbs) and 80-90lbs of cured live rock. I also added a new sump. I keep doing water changes and the levels go down slightly then rise back up. What am I doing wrong?

Wow, it sounds like you basically started over. If that is the case you might be going through the standard cycle when a tank is first set-up. Do you have any fish in tank right now? Also you mentioned a filter, what kind? Sponges filters and bioballs trap organics and typcially cause all sorts of nitrate problems.

[mutts]

adding the new sand and rock will cause a small cycle. even if it is fully cured there will be some die off. watch how much you feed your fish and do you water changes, soon everything should even out. good luck!

[Whoyah]

I can't seem to get my nitrates to go down. I started with higher than normal nitrates in my fish only tank. I removed the fish, all the gravel and crud in it, cleaned the tank walls filters, and did a 25 gallon water change (75 gallon tank). I added new live sand (40lbs) and 80-90lbs of cured live rock. I also added a new sump. I keep doing water changes and the levels go down slightly then rise back up. What am I doing wrong?

Wow, it sounds like you basically started over. If that is the case you might be going through the standard cycle when a tank is first set-up. Do you have any fish in tank right now? Also you mentioned a filter, what kind? Sponges filters and bioballs trap organics and typcially cause all sorts of nitrate problems.

[Whoyah]

I can't seem to get my nitrates to go down. I started with higher than normal nitrates in my fish only tank. I removed the fish, all the gravel and crud in it, cleaned the tank walls filters, and did a 25 gallon water change (75 gallon tank). I added new live sand (40lbs) and 80-90lbs of cured live rock. I also added a new sump. I keep doing water changes and the levels go down slightly then rise back up. What am I doing wrong?.

Wow, it sounds like you basically started over. If that is the case you might be going through the standard cycle when a tank is first set-up. Do you have any fish in tank right now? Also you mentioned a filter, what kind? Sponges filters and bioballs trap organics and typcially cause all sorts of nitrate problems

[jerryc]

Give it a little time if its not down in 30 days try a little activated carbon

Also i don't like to use it,But after waiting 2 or 3 months with out it going down you can try a nitrate sponge [but use as a last resort]

[lReef lKeeper]

you may want to add some Prime to the tank. it WILL NOT remove the nitrate but it WILL detoxify it. i add a couple of drops when i top off my tanks ... and have no problems.

[unleashed]

Give it a little time if its not down in 30 days try a little activated carbon

Also i don't like to use it,But after waiting 2 or 3 months with out it going down you can try a nitrate sponge [but use as a last resort] nitrate sponges can be very usefull right now for keeing nitrates down the trick with any type of remover is to change them often at least once a week.they can only absorb so much once full if they remain in your tank they can and will leach the toxins back into your tank at a higher consentrated level