I think I have a nitrate problem

[olingerjccj]

This is a new set up I have had it set up for 2 weeks now. I finally got my salt levels right. 1.024 I wanted to put my live rock in Tuesday. My problem is my nitrate levels apperar to be around 100. Will the live rock help fix that or should I do a water change... Not planning on putting any fish for a while.
Thanks

 

[mcbdz]

I'd just go ahead and cycle. Don't add any thing until after your cycle is complete.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/116184/saltwater-aquariums-101-the-cycle

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by olingerjccj
http:///forum/post/2573410
This is a new set up I have had it set up for 2 weeks now. I finally got my salt levels right. 1.024 I wanted to put my live rock in Tuesday. My problem is my nitrate levels apperar to be around 100. Will the live rock help fix that or should I do a water change... Not planning on putting any fish for a while.
Thanks
Once again I must say I find it hard to believe you are getting a nitrate reading after two weeks and one of 100ppm at that. Are you using RO water? Nitrates as you know are at the end of the nitrification process. Your time line just does not seem right to me.
Di- nitrification happens deep in the LR in near zero oxygen. Water changes are your best bet for a rapped decline in your nitrates but I would test the water you are going to add to your tank

 

[olingerjccj]

My tap water reads I know Tap water but my LFS said they use tap water and where I live its safe. So my Nitrate level out of the tap is 2 ppm.

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by olingerjccj
http:///forum/post/2573460
My tap water reads I know Tap water but my LFS said they use tap water and where I live its safe. So my Nitrate level out of the tap is 2 ppm.
go to a different LFS

 

[nereef]

are you doing the tests for nitrates yourself? are you starting with water that you have mixed yourself, or did the lfs con you into taking some of their "aged" water?

 

[olingerjccj]

Yes I am doing the test myself 1st test was with my tank water and the 2nd test was with straight from the kitchen sink. Will the live rock lower my levels or do I have to start over.
Thanks

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by olingerjccj
http:///forum/post/2573854
Yes I am doing the test myself 1st test was with my tank water and the 2nd test was with straight from the kitchen sink. Will the live rock lower my levels or do I have to start over.
Thanks
The rock is not going to lower nitrates. Are you getting a high nitrate reading from the tap? What kind of salt mix are you using? Have you had the LFS verify your nitrate test results?

 

[olingerjccj]

I am going to go to the LFS monday to Verify my results. The nitrate levels out of the tap are 2ppm and in my tank its about 100ppm the salt i am using is Instant ocean sea salt.
thanks

 

[headlessfish]

Originally Posted by olingerjccj
http:///forum/post/2573460
My tap water reads I know Tap water but my LFS said they use tap water and where I live its safe. So my Nitrate level out of the tap is 2 ppm.
My LFS also uses tap water

 

[snakeblitz33]

Hah! Definately not in my neck of the woods, tap is off the charts!

 

[spiderwoman]

Originally Posted by HEADLESSFISH
http:///forum/post/2574262
My LFS also uses tap water
I wouldn't use that LFS for anything. YIKES! I'm sure he'd even sell you shark and a stingray for a nano.