nitrates

[ja]

Can anyone help me on a nitrate problem. I have a thirty gallon tank with an emporer 280 filter. I do a 20% water change every 10 days. I tested my tap water and my salt mix and both are free of nitrates. I only have a 4 inch p.puffer and a 2 inch spotted puffer in the tank. I only feed them twice a day and not more than they can eat in 2 min. My nitrates are sky high(50ppm) and I cant figure out why. Thanks!

 

[jonnywoo]

I have the same exact problem....I hope someone can help us with this....I do water changes every 2 weeks also and still have no change over the last month and a half...PLEASE HELP!

 

[ja]

I just read if you have a trickle filter it may process to many nitrates to quickly. I believe the fillter I used is classified as a trickel filter?(Emporer 280 with a Bio wheel). If anyone has heard this please let me know how it happens.

 

[mainejo1]

An Emperor Bio Wheel is not a trickle filter, but it is a good filter system. I have one on my 30 gal., and it has a heavy load and I keep my nitrates well under control with mine. Do you have live rock? If not, it is a beautiful addition to your tank and helps with nitrates. Also, some live plants like a sea cactus help too. If this doesn't help, think about a protein skimmer. Also, be sure to change the carbon pads in the BioWheel at least once a month and the loose carbon every six weeks. In between changes you can also rinse the carbon in sea water. Good Luck, I'm sure you will get it under control.

 

[kris]

Make sure the media in your filters are being cleaned regularly. Vacuum your gravel thoroughly every time. And try one of the nitrate reducing chemicals.