Nitrate too high?

bldblu_2 · 07-25-2006, 11:50 AM

My nitrate normally reads at 5. Today it is up to 20. Should I be wiggin out? I started adding Kalkwasser but that should not affect nitrate should it? Any ideas appreciated.

Nitrate 20
PH 8.2
Calc 450
Alk 4
Sal 1.025
Phos .05

Everything looks happy in the tank.

serotonin · 07-25-2006, 12:32 PM

As far as I know the kalkwasser shouldn't adversly effect your Nitrates. 90% chance nitrates go up due to overfeeding. Have you added anything to the tank lately? Anything gone missing? Do you have a detrius build up somewhere perhaps... the list could go on for ever I guess.

If it keeps going up your going to have a big problem if you keep corals in your tank. Let's try and find a cause for this rise

my $.02, hope it helps some!

bldblu_2 · 07-25-2006, 12:40 PM

Nothing has gone missing but I did add a very large long tentacle plate. I feed the fish once a day and skip some days here and there. Feed the corals and anemones once a week and I watch to make sure the anemones eat the fish and it doesn't wind up floating somewhere. Thanks for your $.02 it is much appreciated.

Reef Lover · 07-25-2006, 06:19 PM

do a water change

serotonin · 07-25-2006, 07:01 PM

I'm curious what you use to feed your corals and how much? How long have you been feeding them this way? What kind of skimmer do you have? Tank size and your water change schedule could also be quite helpful. Curiousity has the best of me, hehe

I agree with Reef Lover, water change is a great suggestion.

hexus0 · 07-26-2006, 12:32 AM

water change will help, if you have any missing fish its always a good idea to restock your clean up crew... they go missing sometimes as well. (rotting bodies = nitrates)

Keep an eye on your nitrates tho, if they start climbing to 50 in the next few days then somethin is wrong.. nip it in the bud with a water change.

good info on melevsreef.com for lowering high nitrates.

2 containers (at least 20 gal ea.), half full of SW. Siphon tank water into 1 container, let it mix up and pump it back into the tank. Repeat again with container 2. Now dump out the 2 containers that have bad water. Wait a few hours and check your levels. REPEAT AS NEEDED. (dillution is the solution)

ABOVE helped me with my 100+ nitrate problem. took them down to about 50 within a few hours.

hexus0 · 07-26-2006, 12:37 AM

Your phosphates are up there tho. .05 is ALOT. we aim for .01 ! Is algae starting to bloom? unless im mistaken about the levels of phosphate, id get a phosphate sponge and get it in there to lower em. before the algae comes.

12 hrs of LIGHT + High nitrates + .05 Phosphate = GHA NIGHTMARE.

bldblu_2 · 07-26-2006, 04:46 AM

Think I found my problem. Skimmer was clogged up. Cleaned it out well and it is going again. Had a big clump of gunk clogging the outlet hose. Will do water change now. Thanks for all the help.

blue_eyes53813 · 07-26-2006, 11:48 AM

My theory is nitrates start to show up, it is time to check filters, skimmers, sponges, reduce feeding , and check that all livestock is accounted for... Usually can figure out where the trates are coming from..

bldblu_2 · 07-26-2006, 11:52 AM

Yep you are right. Didn't take long once I opened up my eyes!