Params Off

bayreefer

Member
All of my tank parameters are WAY off, but im not sure why. My tank is currently cycling as well which is why my amonia, trites and trates are all up. I also use RO/DI water and coralife salt
Here is a list of what ive got:
Ammonia: 0.5
Nitrite: 1
Nitrate: 10
Ph: 8.6
Calcium: 620
Phosphate: 2
Kh: 214
Anyone have any idea why this is happening, or do I need to give any more info?
 

luvmyreef

Active Member
Actually 1.024 is fine, not high. How old are your test kits? Also, you can test your water before adding it to your tank to see the levels are off. Also, give all the details about your tank, so many people will ask and can give better advice knowing everything. Size, equipment, how much rock, etc.
 
S

shrimpy brains

Guest
It s perfectly normal for params to fluctuate during the cycle. This is why it is not recommended to put anything living in there.(aside from rock)
 

bayreefer

Member
Good to know that 1.024 is alright

My kits are brand new, tank is 75 gallons, around 110 lbs of live rock, protien skimmer, koralias, 15 gallon sump
 

bayreefer

Member
Originally Posted by Shrimpy Brains
http:///forum/post/3237333
It s perfectly normal for params to fluctuate during the cycle. This is why it is not recommended to put anything living in there.(aside from rock)
I thought that just ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate fluctuated during a cycle
 

luvmyreef

Active Member
I would just wait it out. Keep testing throughout your cycle. If your ph, and calcium stay high, you might need to switch salt mixes, or take other corrective measures. That is why I suggested you test your freshly mixed water before adding it to the tank to see if the levels were high before adding the water to the tank. Congrats on the start of your saltwater tank BTW. Welcome to the 75g club.
 
S

shrimpy brains

Guest
Well, most people don't do all those tests while cycling, whch is probably why they don't know other params will go haywire.
As long as you have no livestock in there, I would just let it run it's course.
You could also do as luvmyreef suggested and test freshly mixed water to see if your salt is off, but I am betting it is just due to the cycle.
You are not using any additives, are you??
 

bayreefer

Member
Originally Posted by Shrimpy Brains
http:///forum/post/3237344
Well, most people don't do all those tests while cycling, whch is probably why they don't know other params will go haywire.
As long as you have no livestock in there, I would just let it run it's course.
You could also do as luvmyreef suggested and test freshly mixed water to see if your salt is off, but I am betting it is just due to the cycle.
You are not using any additives, are you??
No, no additives.
I actually wouldn't have tested most of that stuff if I wasn't curious, Im glad I did though. I guess Ill just have to wait it out and see where it goes
 

cranberry

Active Member
I'm wondering if the salt wasn't mix really well (in the bag or bucket... or whoever it comes). Some brands are more prone to settling then others. Unless you mix a bag in it's entirety in one volume of water, there is a change you will get uneven amounts of the additives.
Just for fun, next time I would test the water before I put it into the tank.
 
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