Nitrates/Nitrites

[fishe1]

I am sure the answer to this question is somewher in here, but I figured I can get the answer faster this way. My ammonia is 0 but( I got the spike) my nitrites and nitrates are sky high. I have a penguin 330 Bio-filter, and 55 gallon. 4 weeks into the cycle. Should I do a water change to drop my nitrites and nitrates? Everything else in where it should be. One thing I dont have yet which I am getting this weekend is LR. Is this the problem? :help:

 

[mudplayerx]

You need to do a good 25-30% water change. Make sure you use RO or distilled water. That should get rid of a lot of the nitrite/nitrates.
Do you have your sand in yet? That provides a great area for the bacteria that break down these chemicals.

 

[fishe1]

No I did CC, I know it is not looked as a good source for substrate. Probably go to sand later.

 

[tripleshot]

Better to go to sand now than later alot easyer to take it out now before all the rock gets in their.

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by Fishe1
No I did CC, I know it is not looked as a good source for substrate. Probably go to sand later.
Now is the time to switch.

 

[symon]

I would agree with changing out to sand now, if you are going to do it at all, it will restart your cycle.
I have crushed coral myself, and wish i had changed it out long ago, tank is healthy, but requires a little more attention!