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Nitrates


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  1. #1

    Default Nitrates

    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?

  2. #2
    Whoyah - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Grants Pass, OR
    Posts
    1,267

    Default

    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.

  3. #3
    mutts - Reefkeeper Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    IL
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    904
    First Name
    Manda Wolf

    Default

    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!
    ~Amanda~

    It is really nice to see you here in this thread. While your online how about you go over to the TOTM thread and enter or vote. It will only take a minute

  4. #4
    Whoyah - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Grants Pass, OR
    Posts
    1,267

    Default

    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.

  5. #5
    Whoyah - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Grants Pass, OR
    Posts
    1,267

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 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?.
    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

  6. #6
    jerryc - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Arkansas
    Posts
    1,345

    Default

    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]
    I HAVE A PROBLEM' I'M ADDICTED TO MICROMUSSA

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  7. #7
    lReef lKeeper - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    louisville ky
    Posts
    1,456
    First Name
    Bobby

    Default

    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.

  8. #8

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 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]
    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

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