Nitrates and pH Problem
- Thread starter shyshko08
- Start date
ophiura
Active Member
We need more info:
How are you taking these readings (what kind of test kit).
Have you had them verified elsewhere
What is your alkalinity and calcium
Do you have glass tops on the tank
What is the circulation in the tank...if you do not have anything breaking the surface of the water, immediately reposition something to do this.
How old is the tank, and what is in it
What is your water change schedule.
IMO the nitrate issue is not a major immediate concern but the pH might be. Unfortunately that is caused by several things. DO NOT add a pH buffer without getting an alkalinity test first.
However the nitrate could be an indication of the underlying cause of the pH issue if you have a situation where you have not been doing regular water changes or have some dead spots.
How are you taking these readings (what kind of test kit).
Have you had them verified elsewhere
What is your alkalinity and calcium
Do you have glass tops on the tank
What is the circulation in the tank...if you do not have anything breaking the surface of the water, immediately reposition something to do this.
How old is the tank, and what is in it
What is your water change schedule.
IMO the nitrate issue is not a major immediate concern but the pH might be. Unfortunately that is caused by several things. DO NOT add a pH buffer without getting an alkalinity test first.
However the nitrate could be an indication of the underlying cause of the pH issue if you have a situation where you have not been doing regular water changes or have some dead spots.
luvmyreef
Active Member
Ophiura is right. Need more info. Also, do you use RO/DI water, what kind of salt mix do you use, what is your ammonia, nitrite levels? A low PH can signify that carbon dioxide is accumulating. Also acid is a byproduct of biological filtration and can lower PH. Is this tank cycling? Or have you added new rock, sand, etc? Check for decaying organic matter as well, this could be in your filter, sand bed, etc.
pallan
Member
open an outside window near the tank/ leave open for the day test your PH if it reads normal after that then its a CO2 issue no need to add anything buffers or otherwise if this fixes it. just get the tank some more air. Most houses are so sealed up and if tank happens to be in a basement thats where your gonna find the CO2.. I find this cures most PH problems.
nitrates easy fix water changes and watch feedings
nitrates easy fix water changes and watch feedings
shyshko08
Member
Originally Posted by ophiura
http:///forum/post/3119346
We need more info:
How are you taking these readings (what kind of test kit).
Have you had them verified elsewhere
What is your alkalinity and calcium
Do you have glass tops on the tank
What is the circulation in the tank...if you do not have anything breaking the surface of the water, immediately reposition something to do this.
How old is the tank, and what is in it
What is your water change schedule.
-The brand of the test kit is API Reef
-I have not verified my nitrates but my pH I have.
-My KH hardness is 179ppm (not sure if thats the same as alkalinity. And my calcium level is reading at 300ppm
- I just rearranged my rocks and it has a much better water circulation now. I do have something breaking the surface of the water.
-My tank is almost a year old (November 2008)
-I do a water change/filter clean once a week.
ANY IDEAS????
http:///forum/post/3119346
We need more info:
How are you taking these readings (what kind of test kit).
Have you had them verified elsewhere
What is your alkalinity and calcium
Do you have glass tops on the tank
What is the circulation in the tank...if you do not have anything breaking the surface of the water, immediately reposition something to do this.
How old is the tank, and what is in it
What is your water change schedule.
-The brand of the test kit is API Reef
-I have not verified my nitrates but my pH I have.
-My KH hardness is 179ppm (not sure if thats the same as alkalinity. And my calcium level is reading at 300ppm
- I just rearranged my rocks and it has a much better water circulation now. I do have something breaking the surface of the water.
-My tank is almost a year old (November 2008)
-I do a water change/filter clean once a week.
ANY IDEAS????