need to remove nitrates and Ammonia from water - any ideas?

[hrheyne]

I've been fighting with my nitrates and ammonia for 2 days every since I got my tank (purchased full set up from a local guy and moved to a new tank at my house)
I'm pretty sure the water quality was poor before I moved the tank but I''m sure moving all that sand around didn't help. I've done 2 - 25% water changes ... one on the 1st (the day I got the tank) and one yesterday. should I do another? Any other tricks?
Thanks
Heather
Here are the stats for anyone that wants them
DateLevelAquarium 1Time
Ammonia9/010.50Aquarium 19:43
Nitrate9/01160Aquarium 110:20
Nitrite9/010 ppmAquarium 19:45
PH9/018.0Aquarium 1

[hr]
Ammonia9/020.25Aquarium 110:11 am
Nitrate9/02160Aquarium 110
Nitrite9/020 ppmAquarium 110:13
PH9/028.2Aquarium 1

[hr]
Ammonia9/030.50Aquarium 110:58 am
Nitrate9/0380Aquarium 110:51 am
Nitrite9/030 ppmAquarium 110:54 am
PH9/037.4Aquarium 1

[hr]
Ammonia9/030.50Aquarium 19:17 pm
Nitrate9/03120Aquarium 19:23 pm
Nitrite9/030 ppmAquarium 19:30 pm
PH9/038.0Aquarium 1

[hr]

 

[claymc]

let it sit for a few weeks and see where it goes from there..

 

[hrheyne]

Originally Posted by claymc
let it sit for a few weeks and see where it goes from there..
There are fish and a toadstool coral in there and I'd really like them to stay alive. Are they going to be able too?
Thanks

 

[myreef05]

Any amount of ammonia is deadly for fish. If you HAVE to keep them in the tank start mixing new sw now and every day do a 35%-50% change IMO. The bacteria is not in the water so it should not hurt anything at all. DO NOT stir up the sand anymore, just syphon the water.
IMPORTANT NOTE: ensure new water is mixed and aerated for 24 hours, meats the same temp. as the tank and also pH and S.G.
Good luck.

 

[al mc]

Heather.....A couple questions and some general thoughts:
How large a tank?
What type and how many fish?
Do you have protein skimmer and what type?
Do you have access or can you make lots of new Salt water?
general thoughts....Moving substrate (sand in your case) always releases some nitrogen compounds. If you move it again..go for new sand (IMHO).
massive water changes (25-50%)..may need to do it daily. Other option if you can only make smaller water changes is to use an ammonia binding substance like Amquel plus. This is not a long term solution, but a short term fix.

 

[hrheyne]

Originally Posted by Al Mc
Heather.....A couple questions and some general thoughts:
How large a tank?
What type and how many fish?
Do you have protein skimmer and what type?
Do you have access or can you make lots of new Salt water?
general thoughts....Moving substrate (sand in your case) always releases some nitrogen compounds. If you move it again..go for new sand (IMHO).
massive water changes (25-50%)..may need to do it daily. Other option if you can only make smaller water changes is to use an ammonia binding substance like Amquel plus. This is not a long term solution, but a short term fix.
the tank is a 55 gallon - it has about 100 lbs of live rock, 2 good size clowns and a hippo tang (I know he's too big for the tank, I'm looking for him a new home, he came with the set-up) I haven't purchased a skimmer yet but I'll be shopping for one tomorrow. Do you have any recommendations? I need a good one that isn't too expensive.
I can make a large amount of water, I do have an extra 55 gallon tank.

 

[hrheyne]

I just checked my tap water for nitrates and there is none. Can I use this water or no?
Thanks
Heather

 

[al mc]

Myreef gave good advice about the quality of any water you will use to change...similar temp/pH/and specific gravity. Usually best to mix for several hours before doing the water change.
Since you have everything moved already and the rock is seasoned (has lots of 'good bacteria) I would stay with the tank as it is and do large water changes. I have done as much as 50% at one time in the past with no problems.
I would pick up some Amquel plus if you are going to a local fish store tommorrow. I know there are other similar products but I have personal experience only with the amquel +.
Skimmers: Sounds like you will need a HOB (hang on the back) skimmer as oppossed to one that would go into a 'sump'. I have used Coralife Supper Skimmers....good skimmer at reasonablke price, and Remora Pro...IMO, better skimmer but stiffer price.
I think you will be okay with water changes, Amquel and a little time.

 

[al mc]

Just saw your note about tap water.....Best water is flitered watered referred to as RO (reverse osmosis) DI (Deionized). I have not used tap water myself but I have read several posts that some board participants do use it successfully. If the person you got the tank from used tap water and you get your water from the same company you are probably OK in a pinch.
Distilled water purchased at Wal----t or a local drug store can also be used to mix your new salt water.
I am more comfortable with giving you the advice of using filtered (RODI) water or distilled water if possible.
There are lots of threads in the archives on this site about tap water versus distilled versus RODI....

 

[huskychasrs]

I would spend the money on water changes before a skimmer IMO...You're trying to save that livestock get some RO and salt start mixing. I wouldn't recommend a large water change as everything is probably in shock. I would do a couple of smaller ones daily if need be to get things in check.

Temp,salinity,PH need to be as close as possible to the current tank water to minimize shock.
I'm still a n00b as well...Good luck I hope you can save your live stock!