(o.keeper) Holy nitrates

[beginnermatt]

Today I got my new test kits by Seachem. After doing the nitrite and nitrate I realized how my old kits were very inaccurate and I now have a problem. The levels were out of control. I did an immediate water change using tap water(don't own a r.o. unit). There are no signs of copper or nitrites but a level of nitrites around 1.5 In the tank is a CB shrimp and a firefish which both seem to be very healthy. What can I do to lower these high levels of nitrates and nitites. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[ocellaris_keeper]

You already started in the right direction by doing a water change. I would recommend from now on to buy about 10-15 gallons of RO water (.69 cents At Safeway/Food Lion).
What type of biofilter do you have? (your biofilter may not be big enough (this is for trhe nitrites)
What type of substrate/filter do you have (biowheels and crushed coral are notorious for high nitrates)

 

[beginnermatt]

Hi Bruce,
I'm a little slow on the equipment, but currently I am using a Second Nature 3000 wet/dry external filter. This filter has a blue sponge wich could be the nitrate or nitrite factory. I also just installed a prizm protein skimmer. The tank floor is covered with 3-4 inches of sand and I have about 30 pounds of rock(not lr yet). My plan is to have a sump in the near future and add some lr.
I'm unsure why the cb shrimp and fish have lasted so long in these conditions. The tank has been running for several months. I did have three other fish but ick made an appearence. Well thats it. Thanks for the time and help. Matt