Nitrates

[jlhill]

I have been battling nitrates for a little over a month now (40 ppm). Even after doing a 30% water change in my small 36g the nitrates don't seem to drop. All other levels are perfect. I have 1 chromis, 1 six line wrasse, 1 cleaner shrimp, and a sand sifter SF. Any suggestions on lowering my nitrates a little?

 

[2quills]

Perhaps you could introduce some macro algae into the system. That might help mop up some of the excess nutrient. Or you may wish to increase your frequency of water changes. Perhaps smaller ones just a little more often.
What's the feeding schedule and amount look like? You may be able to reduce it a little.

 

[jlhill]

One feeding a day. 1/4 cube of mysis, or brine, or emerald entree. I alternate them every third day.

 

[2quills]

Feeding sounds ok. Sometimes you have to be careful with test kits. API, for instance is a brand that seems to elude to high nitrates sometimes and has even cause wide spread panic for a few individuals out there.
If you don't have a major algae issue or something along those lines then I wouldn't over concern myself. Having some algae is beneficial. Even if it's the decorative variety.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by jlhill http:///t/397708/nitrates#post_3545867
I have been battling nitrates for a little over a month now (40 ppm). Even after doing a 30% water change in my small 36g the nitrates don't seem to drop. All other levels are perfect. I have 1 chromis, 1 six line wrasse, 1 cleaner shrimp, and a sand sifter SF. Any suggestions on lowering my nitrates a little?


Hi,

If you are using API test kits...it reads 4Xs higher then other kits. If you are doing the kind of water changes you tell us, then you don't have high nitrates, you have an "off" test kit. I like SeaChem kits because they come with a regent to be able to double check my test results.

 

[Mark M]

I have a 46g and noticed a little nitrate spike. I changed 12g over the course of 2 days and dropped the nitrate level significantly. 4g at a time - every 6 hours. Maybe the frequency will help.

 

[Skinr1]

I would suggest a few treatments of ( nite-out 2 )
works pretty well for me .
it will asst bringing those levels down

http://www.amazon.com/Microbe-Lift-NiteOutII-Home-Aquariums-16-Ounce/dp/B00176ENNG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407940733&sr=8-1&keywords=nite+out+ii

 

[flower]

I have been battling nitrates for a little over a month now (40 ppm). Even after doing a 30% water change in my small 36g the nitrates don't seem to drop. All other levels are perfect. I have 1 chromis, 1 six line wrasse, 1 cleaner shrimp, and a sand sifter SF. Any suggestions on lowering my nitrates a little?

Hi,

Unless your nitrates are above 40 where inverts (snails and such) can't handle it...there is no reason to fret over nitrates...the fish really don't care, they seem perfectly fine even with nitrates into the 100s. Corals depending on the coral...Xenia likes it just below 20, SPS can't handle any nitrate reading at all.