Nitrogen Cycle

[jcarter752]

I am relatively new to the reef tank game and am having some recent trouble. I have had a 45 gallon tank with 60 lbs of live rock since 11/99. I have a cbr bakpak2 protein skimmer and am running power compact lighting. Recently, I have been having trouble controlling the water quality. More specifically, Nitrates and Nitrites. The Ammonia levels are still 0. I am confident the cycle was completed before I introduced anything to the aquarium. How do I get this under control so my corals and fish don't die? What is cuasing the levels to increase in the first place?

 

[tammster]

I found this article helpful when this happened to me a few months ago. I have a 40 gal and I now realize how much more careful I have to be with water quality than someone with a larger tank. Hope this helps you like it did me: http://saltaquarium.about.com/pets/s...y/aa051799.htm

 

[lar]

Do you have bio balls in the skimmer, remove them slowly, a few at a time, Any media needs to go. IMHO,

 

[krazzydart]

was the rock cured???????? if not then just let it go through the stages and keep checking the water quality and if it gets to high do partial water changes..... also adding calarpa helps the water quality....