My Nitrates are creeping up

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by hazmat319, Feb 29, 2008.

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  1. hazmat319

    hazmat319 Plankton

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2008
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    Location:
    Dallas/Fort Worth
    So as you know I started my 34 gal Red Sea Max last weekend.

    I know some opinions say don't bother testing but hey, it gives me something to do;D.

    Anyway, my Nitrates are starting to go up. Everything else is in perfect range. pH 8.2, ammonia 0, Nitrites 0. Obviously, no fish in it.

    Nitrates started at 0 then to 5-10 ppm and now its 10-15 ppm.

    Lights are off (except for when I sit and stare at all the cool things in it) and protein skimmer is off. The little shrimpy things are swimming all over instead of just crawling on the rocks now. and I have this really cool fan looking thing. It is in a tiny hole in the rock and it will slowly come out and spread out like a fan. Then if I stand up to look or bump the tank it sucks back into it's hole really fast. Very cool!!

    Anyway, should I do a small water change this weekend? Or not worry about the Nitrates?
    Thanks!
     
    hazmat319, Feb 29, 2008
    hazmat319, Feb 29, 2008
    #1

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  2. Brandon1023

    Brandon1023 Fire Goby

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    Denver, Colorado
    Not during your cycle, no.
     
    Brandon1023, Feb 29, 2008
    Brandon1023, Feb 29, 2008
    #2
  3. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Don't do a water change. It'll slow the process. The shrimpy things are copepods(good) and the other a feather duster (good) you'll probably see lot's more of both in the future.
     
    missionsix, Feb 29, 2008
    missionsix, Feb 29, 2008
    #3
  4. omard

    omard Gnarly Old Codfish

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2003
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    4,745
    Location:
    Silverdale, Washington
    Be patient.

    Is sign cycle is getting ready to take off...

    You have got aways to go yet.
     
    omard, Feb 29, 2008
    omard, Feb 29, 2008
    #4
  5. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    Apr 17, 2007
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    Louisville, GA
    Wooo Hazmat isn't it exciting! I'm happy your is going so well! Wait till you get fish and corals, now that's excitement!:):eek::)
     
    cuttingras, Feb 29, 2008
    cuttingras, Feb 29, 2008
    #5
  6. skytechsc

    skytechsc Astrea Snail

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    Location:
    Knoxville, TN
    Leave it be. The most popular saying here is "GO SLOW, LET IT GROW" if you follow this things will be OK I did when I started my tank about two months ago and I have not had a problem. First SW tank for me.
     
    skytechsc, Mar 1, 2008
    skytechsc, Mar 1, 2008
    #6

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  7. hazmat319

    hazmat319 Plankton

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2008
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Dallas/Fort Worth
    Yes, it's exciting!! There is nothing in my tank except for my LR and I already stare at it all the time.
    My husband walks past me and laughs! Everyday I notice more things in there! I need to look them up so I know what they are. Lots of "life forms". Is there a good site that has pictures so I can figure out what all these "critters" are?
    And yes, I understand I'm at the beginning of the yellow brick road.
    Thanks everyone!
     
    hazmat319, Mar 1, 2008
    hazmat319, Mar 1, 2008
    #7