Unexplained nitrates, Getting tired of this

[theone]

Josh, I noticed in one of your replies you said you get a full cup from your skimmer every 3 months.
Do you only clean it every 3 months? I found if I clean mine once a week it makes a difference because the funnel part where the foam comes out is caked with waste and its still in contact with water. I take the collection cup off and wipe the inside.

Just a thought.

 

[NateHanson]

Be careful putting 20 pounds of rock into your stocked tank. If it isn't completely cycled (like for a month) at the LFS, then it will cause an even worse ammonia problem in your tank, and that could knock off some fish. Maybe since you work at a LFS it's possible to set some rock aside in the holding tank for a couple weeks, so you can be more sure that it's not going to spike your tank.

When you had 13 fish (and more live rock) did you still have ammonia present when you tested? Personally I'd say there really shouldn't be any detectable ammonia in a stocked tank. I believe even low levels can be damaging to fish's gills.

Good luck. Sounds like you're headed in the right direction.

nate

 

[delta]

It may also be your tank never fully cycled, salt water tanks take a long time to cycle and the systems dont fully mature for 6 months to a year if not longer IMO.
This nitrate problem may be the result of an on going problem and now as your filtration is pushed to it max you starting to see the end result.
I would agree with everyone else getting you ammonia to a reading of 0.0 is you first goal.

I think everyone has covered what you need to do just a recap

Add LR
Actually no need to buy LR just buy base rock and in no time it will be seeded buy your LR.

Use RO water
I would try to find a LFS that sells NSW or RO water till you can afford a RO unit for yourself.

Lower bioload
This won't cost a penny and is a great start to remove some fish

Upgrade skimmer
Can't be said enough just like lighting don't skimp here buy it once and forget about it. You already have a good recomendation on skimmer type i think CRA one of the BRS sponsers has inepensive knock off

Reduce Feedings
just feed once a day just a very small amount

Husbandry
Invest in a turkey baster blow off the LR and get that detris in the water column so the skimmer can remove it. Run some carbon will help a little.
If not changing water weekly start to change 10% once a week and blow off your LR before you change the water to remove some organic waste as well.
Clean you skimmer on a regular basis.
Clean you pumps on a regular basis as they get dirty it reduces their flow and reduces the amount of waste kept in suspension.

HTH

 

[eSoteric]

all great advice. I will take home my magnum 350 from my store and run some carbon. And im looking into a Pro clear skimmer (150 or 250) either or will work fine, and provide much better skim, TO asnwer the question someone asked if i clean my sump.

not really, i have claned the skimmer, but to be honest it just didnt need it. The real problem with this viaaqua skimmer is when i open the primmer pump and silencer to allow more air to flow it, it loses it prime, so i have a feeling that im not even truly skimming the tank. This also explains why it takes 3 months

also guys...I must still be a noobie i thought a yellow test result on the ammonia was .25, turns out its 0, so im running 0 ammonia!

 

[starrfish]

Josh - that's great news about your ammonia test (that you were in fact reading it wrong!). Starting with a new skimmer should help. Also frequent water changes as mentioned above will help to reduce nitrates. However, IMO the long term solution is to add a refugium with macro that will export the nitrates naturally.

Good luck,
Daire

 

[eSoteric]

Drawing up the plans now...im so cramped for space in my tiny bedroom but ill make it work!

do you think 65w PC 10k is ok to light my fuge with?

 

[Chris A.]

Don`t go 10k.Anywhere from 5500k-6500k is the best for plants.

 

[Ray]

go to home depot and get one of those cheapo lights, that is what I have and it works great

 

[eSoteric]

ok, good i wanted that other 65w pc on my tank anyhow 9.6watts a gallon hehe