nitrates driving me crazy

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by TBELT, Jan 18, 2010.

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  1. TBELT

    TBELT Ritteri Anemone

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2009
    Messages:
    630
    Location:
    Tampa Florida
    just got in and tested the water and after shaking the test tube for the first time in a long time it was still yellow. YEA!!!. It started to pick up on orange tint after a few minutes though. So tonight another 8 gallon change and replace the filter media and test again tomorrow. But for the first time I feel like I am winning the war. I am doing a tone of water changed to beat this thing (replace the filter media every time too not just rinsing). If I can keep the color yellow it will have been worth it.
     
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  3. TBELT

    TBELT Ritteri Anemone

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2009
    Messages:
    630
    Location:
    Tampa Florida
    Did a 12 gallon change and blew off the rocks with a powerhead and replaced all the filter media again last night. Tested this morning and the color stayed yellow with a slight tint of orange but more yellow then orange even after the 5 minute wait. Going to do another 12 gallons on Tuesday and change the filter media again and I am hoping that I will have the Nitrate problem licked. It is important to kick the Nitrates over this next month as I need the rock, sand(3-4 months old) For my 180 gallon that i am putting together. Even if I carry over some I am using all new water so it should dilute to nothing. I hope:confused:

    So far it looks like I am starting to win a battle or 2 and looking as if I will win the war. Going through a tone a salt water though. Glad i got the RO/DI filter system. It has come close to paying for itself already (maybe 1/2) ::)

    Thanks for looking

    Tony