New tank nitrates still too high

pelena

pelena

Member
My tank (55) has been up for about 5 weeks and still hasn't completed a cycle. The nitrate level is still too high. After taking so long, I decided I wanted LS so I made the change. How much longer should it take to build a good bio-filtration?
 
T

tizzo

Guest
Well first, Hi...welcome...wish I was where you are now..
Live sand will take about 3 to 5 weeks to cure, assuming you bought the bagged stuff.
Did you add live rock to your tank?
 
pelena

pelena

Member
I only have a small amount of live rock now. Maybe 5 lbs. I've been able to collect my own stuff with a friend that used to help with some collections. Hopefully i'll get some more LR within a week or two. As of right now, my nitrite level is >>3.3 I only have a Domino, Devil Scorpionfish, and a few feeders (aholeholes I think)that I picked out of a tide pool.
 
sprang

sprang

Member
If your in hawaii you can get l.rock dirt cheap! or better yet find it locally. Once you get a good amount (1.5 Lbs) a gallon your nitrates will go down dramatically.
 
pelena

pelena

Member
Thats what I was hoping. Sorry about the ates-ites thing. The test I did was for nitrITE. My wife is kinda scared to snorkel, so my tank plans is to recreate our "back yard." Hopefull things will work out well. I'm so addicted to looking for stuff, but I'm trying to be patient and let my tank completely cycle. I guess I'm just too antsy to get things going.
 
sprang

sprang

Member
If you want you can get some great base rock(your preferance) and rope it together so it doesn't drift away, and let mother nature do the rest and presto! ?Free live rock! Your nitrite and ammonia will go up during the cycle..then taper off into nitrate, which you probably know. The Live rock acts as a biological filter and helps speed the process dramatically. Anyway have fun, because there is so many cool critters around you the possibilities are endless!
 
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