High Nitrates

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Shackman23, Feb 18, 2011.

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  1. Shackman23

    Shackman23 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    So i test my water every other day, and on tuesday my nitrates were 10-20 ppm, which is pretty high, tested my water again today and its pushing 60ppm, ive been battling nitrates for awhile now, any ideas? im getting frustrated with it and am about to break the tank down so any help would be great!
     
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  3. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    Do you use ro/di? Have you tested your make up water and do regular water changes? Have you confirmed your test results with a LFS ? Do you have a current Algae problem? Need more info but I bet we can get you sorted out without breaking down the tank,
     
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  4. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Are you using bio-balls or live rock rubble in the fuge?

    Any where in the tank that detritus is building up like sponges or floss?
     
  5. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    also....using a skimmer? is it functioning? do you have a refugium ?
     
  6. Shackman23

    Shackman23 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I do use RODI water, i have done 2 water changes this week, and its only went up, i thought it would go down, i did another 5 gallon change yesterday afternooon, and one tuesday after i did my testing, but i dont test my own water i go to a LFS and pay to have it tested with sailfert test kits. and i dont have any algae at all, just the stuff that goes on my glass through out the day
     
  7. Shackman23

    Shackman23 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    bioballs, and there is some in my sump, but i was told to leave it by my LFS
     
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  9. Shackman23

    Shackman23 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    i do use a skimmer, and i have to empty it every other day and its thick black in color so its working pretty good.
     
  10. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    Test your make up water - before and after you add salt to it
     
  11. Shackman23

    Shackman23 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Ok should i do a water change again today or is that pushing it? doing 3 in one week?
     
  12. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    You can do another water change but I would test it first. It could be bad water or a bad batch of salt mix.

    don't forget the question asked about detritus -- very important