Nitrate problem

[65.stingray]

I have been having a problem with high nitrate levels. I have a fish only 125 gallon live rock predator tank and my nitrates went to 200, killing 4 fish. I had previously done a water change 30 days prior to this problem. I did a 50% water change to bring the levels down to 60ppm and things seem to be better. Can anyone suggest any live plants or other things that I can do to keep this problem under control? My tap water tested 0 nitrates, so that isn't the problem. I have had this tank for over 2 years and have never had such a problem with nitrates. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This has been a great financial and emotional loss. I only have 2 fish left.

 

[nycbob]

r u running a skimer? if so, try doing a bigger water change and adding more liverocks. as for macrolgae, cheato and caulerpa r very good at absorbing nitrate. if u dont hv a fuge, try adding xenia to ur dt if u hv at least pc lighting.

 

[locoyo386]

Originally Posted by 65.stingray http:///forum/post/3073086
I have been having a problem with high nitrate levels. I have a fish only 125 gallon live rock predator tank and my nitrates went to 200, killing 4 fish. I had previously done a water change 30 days prior to this problem. I did a 50% water change to bring the levels down to 60ppm and things seem to be better. Can anyone suggest any live plants or other things that I can do to keep this problem under control? My tap water tested 0 nitrates, so that isn't the problem. I have had this tank for over 2 years and have never had such a problem with nitrates. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This has been a great financial and emotional loss. I only have 2 fish left.
Turf Filter,
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/330606/mega-powerful-nitrate-and-phosphate-remover-replaces-skimmer-refugium-everything

 

[srfisher17]

Nitrates at 200ppm is high; but I doubt that killed your fish. Fish can tolerate much higher nitrate levels. Nitrates at a level much higher than 200ppm are common in holding facilities lfs,etc., etc. (from Bob Fenner) Inverts are another story. I'm not suggesting you ignore the nitrates; but, IMO, you have another problem that is killing your fish.

 

[florida joe]

When you say your nitrates went to 200 what do you mean? A progressively higher reading or a spike?

 

[sanchoy]

200 nitrates will not kill fish.
it appeared that your tank crashed. Spiked chemicals, this must have been building up for awhile. I never use tap water, even for FOWLR setups.

 

[small triggers]

personally, for my 150g i do bi weekly 30% water changes, keep a LARGE skimmer running and keep macro algae in my rank and sump. Also, having atleast a 1 lb to 1.5 lbs of Live Rock for biological filtration and sock filter for mechanical filtration and a high amount of flow from return pumps and any additional powerheads. Also using a turkey baster to clean off rocks before the water change and I stir part of my sand bed before my water change also. This should keep your nitrates in check and keep down the possibilites for a spike.