How long did it take for your nitrates to go down?

My nitrates took just over four weeks to read 0 using an API test kit at the time. I used two silversides and a single shot of urine on the second day after set-up. After four days added about 10lbs. LR and removed the remains of silversides. I was also performing 5 gal. Water changes every week during cycle. I performed a larger 20 gal. Change after my nitrates read zero.

 

Nismo, what size is your tank?

LOL, duh, never mind! I MUST learn to read tag lines more!

 

it unfortunately will take some time and water changes. You might want to do a larger water change, as 10g will only lower it slightly at a time.

I just completed my cycle on my 125g with 60g sump. My ammonia and nitrites are zero and my nitrates are pretty high. I am planning a 50g water change tomorrow when the salt is fully mixed. I am sure I will have to repeat that again in a few days.

I wouldnt recommend using any supplements to try to lower it. We did a nonformal experiment with nitrates on our nano tank. After the cycle, we decided to try a new product by Instant Ocean for the store. Instant Ocean came out with Natural Nitrate Reducer that states that it will lower nitrates. It states clearly that it will take several weeks of dosing before you see any change. We did not do any water changes, had 1 fish in there, did not run any carbon and no skimmer. After 3 months of regular dosing it had not lowered at all! So I was tired of this, called it quites and did a series of 50% water changes a couple times a week and now my nitrates are zero and is now fully stocked. Still do about 20% water change once a week

I have to ask NISMO.......... urine shot?

 

Watr changes dilute the nitrates in the water and are not the only way of exporting them from the tank. there are many solutinos with teh most popular being carbon dosing either thru pellets, vodka or Vinegar. all require a very good skimmer, but do work. you can also use a Denitrator coil that reduce them. it is not an overnight cure but has worked for me for years.

I dont change my water. havent in YEARS except when forced to by moving or some other outside force. with three large tangs in my 180, they produce alot of poo. I have Zero nitrates in my tank. they dont show up on my API test kit. the color never changes.

There are several ways to "skin this cat". since you are experienced im sure you can find the best one for you.

 

Yeah...I peed in the tank to introduce ammonia. I learned about it from 3reef...think it's in newbie/tank start-up thread. Only did it once though!

 

schackmel, thanks for the info! I really don't want to use any chemical nitrate remover in there, I hear it just binds it, not really getting rid of it, and it usually still shows up on the tests, so then I'd never know if they were down or not!

Pickupman, thanks! My boyfriend is wanting to try vodka dosing, since we have it in the house & don't ever use it on ourselves LOL. I just read about the pellets the other day while looking up the vodka dosing, but we'll see what happens! We pretty much only have the capacity to mix about 20 gallons of salt water right now (the 10 filled up the tub halfway the other night), and I really don't want to end up wth multiple mixing tubs, and a dozen water storage containers in my house...don't have the room! haha!

Nismo, someone suggested I do that (after I had already tossed the raw fish in), I told them that even with a ladder I couldn't get into position for that!

 

LOL

 

Sushigirl it was I that suggested that...I know you would need a ladder... Just answering the question that was asked.

Pellets are Now in my system!!

 

Ah, I knew someone had said that to me!
Well, we did another water change tonight. Almost 25 gallons (we drained Petco's saltwater tank dry LOL).
We talked to the owner & a worker at the nicest (cleanest & best tanks) LFS in town today, and asked them about the vodka dosing. I guess I need to do more reading on it because they said that the vodka just temporarily binds the nitrates, then releases them, so you have to keep doing it forever or wean off of it. That's why we decided on just a water change tonight till we can get more educated. I don't want to get on a schedule & never be able to leave town for a few days to a week cuz I don't trust someone else to dose vodka in my tank for me! heheheh

I'll test nitrates again tomorrow, and I also picked up a phosphate test kit, so I'll test that too.

 

Phosphates 0.5
Nitrates were still in the red, but not quite as red, so maybe a little less than 160 ppm now ARGGGHHHH!
Did yet another water change tonight.
Tested the change water from the LFS and it was around 5 to 10 ppm *sigh*
The water I made was 0, which we actually didn't use.
Looks like it's going to take a week per water change for me to make my own water at 0 for changes! I'm really not looking forward to my water bill this month!

Is it going to be an issue if I do more than one water change a week (provided I can make water that fast)? Do I need to reign my boyfriend in & just do one a week?