deblin2
Member
I set up my tank in the spring of 98. I have really had nothing but problems. I finally got the ammonia and nitrite down to zero, but the nitrate level was off the scale. Every once in awhile I would have an ammonia spike and the tank recyled. All of the critters in the live rock and live sand are gone. There are no worms or copods or other creatures that used to be there. Lately I had the ammonia and nitrite level down to 0 for a long period of time, but the nitrate level was still off the scale. Someone helped me figure out what to do and I finally got the nitrate level down to 0 also. They told me to do a water change of 6 gallons a week. I then added a fish which would not eat. I fed the fish a little extra trying to get the fish to eat. I really didn't feed them that much though. It was the very corner off one of the little blocks of food.I didn't know it but someone in my family was also feeding the fish. She probably fed more than I did. So I had another ammonia spike and the new fish died. Now ammonia and nitrites are very high and the nitrate level is back to about 40. I am getting really discouraged. I love my saltwater tank, but it is almost always in trouble. I need to know what to do. Do I do another water change or leave it alone until it straightens itself out. I did put ammonia lock in it to help the fish. I also added some fresh carbon. I still have my two percula clowns and dottyback that I have had for almost this whole time. They seem to be fine. There is still some algea growing on the live rock. I have a 38 gallon tank with a small canister filter, a millinium 2000, aquaclea 200, and a protien skimmer. I have quite a bit of live rock and sand. I guess I can't say it is live sand anymore. If you can help me I would appreciate it. I have a question-- why do my little envelopes have a dot on them. They always look different than everyone elses.