parameter readings high

[puff(er) daddy]

I tested my water today and the nitrates were at 140 ppm, nitrites 1.0 ppm, Ammonia 1.0 ppm and the Ph at 8.4. The nitrates were always a problem for me. I wasn't able to reduce it, even through frequent water changes. I was told I should try to lower the nitrates but they were no immediate problem. All the other readings were always at 0.0 ppm.
The most recent changes to the tank was a Powerhead 802 and a Sand Sifting Star. I can't understand the sudden jump.
Any suggestions on lowering my nitrates or what caused this slight spike?

 

[broomer5]

Wow, all I can think of is has something died in your tank?
Are all fish or inverts accounted for ?
Have you recently cleaned your filter media if you have any, or disturbed your substrate ?
A HUGE overfeeding ?
Have you added any additive to the tank that could be affecting your tests ?
Seems to me that your bacteria have either jumped ship - or that you have something in the tank that has caused it to go into cycle.
Amm 1.0 and Nitrite 1.0 are a clear sign something is out of whack.
How are your fish doing ?
What do you have in the tank besides the star ?
Filtration ?
Live rock ?
<img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[therock0861]

MAybe it is the Sand Sifting Star disturbing the sand or cc that is causing the spike.

 

[thewolfman777]

what size tank do you have and how many other occupants do you have in the tank?

 

[puff(er) daddy]

I have a 8 inch Mappa Puffer and a Sand Sifting Star. I have 45 lbs. of l/r and about 3 inches of l/s. You mentioned something about disturbed substrate. Yes, I vacumed the sand because I have a bad algae breakout. Maybe that's what it was.

 

[tiggerbengal]

I accidentally killed my biological filtration about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I have a Fluval & replaced all the foam blocks with new ones. I also spray-blasted the inside of the canister. About a month or so, I treated my tank with RidIch+, and I wanted to make sure I got rid of any remaining meds. I wish I never would have blasted the canister <img src="graemlins//uhuh.gif" border="0" alt="[U-Huh]" />