nitrate up a bit

[bigbill]

How old is the substrate, and how deep is it?

not sure what substrate is but if u mean sand its 9 weeks old like the tank

[Sir Patrick]

Hmmm...9 weeks old- stiring your sand, being so new shouldnt cause issues.

Gonna think a bit more....

If your sand is less than 3" deep- continue stirring it w/ every water change. It will help prevent issues on down the road. A mature deep sand bed can cause big nitrate spikes if disturbed- but doesnt sound like that is what happened to you.

[bigbill]

could it be that filltar / skimmer causeing a smal cycle

[BeakerBob]

Sounds like your tank is going through another cycle with the water change and the substrate (sand) mixing. Another potential issue may be the test kit results....old test kit?

[bigbill]

no just bought it last week but all other levels are fine

[MizTanks]

Sounds like a mini cycle.

[streetrodder007]

That 1 fish would more than likely only add a little Ammonia. I think your testing is off. I would test again, and maybe even get a second opinion. I clean my sand beds in my tanks so I don't hold nitrates or detrius. If you can, when you pour in new water, pour it into the filtering / sump/ holding area. That way it wont blast the sand bed or corals all over, and it will mix with the current water you have.

[ReeferRob]

Another good practice is to simulate Hurricane type weather. I'll take a small PH or turkey bumper and blast the rocks and corals and everything everywhere. Behind the reef and in the overflow. I even stir the skimmer chamber in the sump.

[bigbill]

ty all i checked agin to day ill take some up to rs tom and have them check it