Newbie Questions

I am new to 3reef and the saltwater community. I just purchased a tank setup from a local seller that had a 90 gal and this set up and didn't have the time for this one anymore. The setup included a Marineland 360c canister filter, about 25lbs of live rock, substrate unknown weight, assorted corals in the tank (maybe 4 different types small though), heater, kent marine reef supplements that are in the starter kit but in the 16oz bottles (unused), purpleup (unused), net, test strips, phosphate remover, carbon media, and strip light with 10000k and blue actinic. The tank looks awesome, water is clear and everything appears healthy. My questions, when I test ph-7.8, nitrite-0, alkalinity-300, but nitrate 160. The LFS said it was ok for nitrate levels to be that high after a move and to just let the tank cycle and they would fall. Well tank been up and running for a while with no drop in nitrate levels. I decided to change carbon and phosphate media in marineland filter. When opening the filter I noticed the white floss on the top level, next level was the carbon and phosphate remover bags and bottom level was a black sponge. I remember reading that the floss and sponge could contain things to keep nitrate levels increased. Should I remove the floss and sponge? I also added to korlia nano powerheads, and there seems to be good movement with the marineland and those two. I don't really want to continue use of the marineland since it does create nice water movement. Another important thing I might need to say is that it is a 29 gal setup. Duh!! Any recomendations to a newbie who is already being tortured by this hobby, I already love it and the care it needs. A couple months ago another LFS told me not to get into saltwater because I probably wouldn't be able to keep it up. PS they are out of business now. Sorry for the wordiness.

 

First of all, welcome to 3reef.

Second of all, here are some suggestions.

Get rid of the strip testers. They suck. If you want to do it right get Salifert test kits (NH4, N02, N03, pH, ALK, Ca, Mg, PO4). That will set up up for a reef tank. You will spend some cash.....get ready. SW is like that. I want you to take a sample of the water to the LFS and have them test it for you. Get some real numbers. Man I hate those strips. Don't worry, I bought them too at the beginning. They went in the trash.

Did they replace the filters when they gave you the ML? If not, replace the filters. It can be a nitrate factory if not replaced out in a proper manner.

Your pH and ALK are off. You should test your Ca and Mg and see where they are at also. pH, ALK, Ca and Mg are interconnected and need to be maintained. I like to run my pH at 8.2, ALK at 12, Ca at 450 and Mg at 1450. You are running pH 7.8 (8.0 is lowest I would go), ALK at least 17 (your pegged out at 300ppm). 220 is a better number IMO. Who knows what your Ca and Mg are. You need to find out.

What to do about the nitrate? Well, my first impulse is to have you do a massive water change. However........you are in the middle of a cycle, and a water change in the middle of a cycle can prolong said cycle. Since you have no livestock yet (those corals should go back to the LFS for now), I am tempted to tell you to let it ride......but I would get another opinion first. Honestly, I am not that confident on this one.

In terms of flow....you want to run a total of about 1200GPH within your tank. Your K-nano does 240. I would want to know what else you have going ITO a skimmer and any other powerheads.

Welcome to the wonderful world of SW. Your tank is a good size. I started with a 29 myself many, many years ago. Enjoy.......John.

 

Oh, and how long has the tank been at your house?

 

I have two nanos plus the flow from the marineland. I am sure the filters were not replaced. I will try and get the other levels asap.

 

John just about nailed it. But here's my 2 cents

As far as your nitrates go, I noticed you didnt mention a skimmer. A skimmer is an essential part of a set-up and you will have trouble with nitrates without one.
And you mentioned a lot of dosing additives. Don't use them. Frequent, small water changes with a quality salt mix will give you everything you need.
Replace all the elements in your filter that you havent yet.
Let the tank sit. Thats it. No more than 10% water changes every week, your params should level out.
And welcome!

 

Thanks Jason.

 

I have been wondering about a skimmer, but the LFS guy said one wasn't needed yet and not to do water changes yet. I will plan on doing a 10% this week and changing the media. Test kits will be ordered, man those salifert's are expensive, but got to do what i got to do.

Thanks guys
THompson

 

Also what is a good protein skimmer for my setup, and what is the consensus on the best place to order from online. I have researched and get a million different answers on both questions.

 

ok I need to put my 2 cents in here. Saliferts quality has really gone downhill in the past year or so. The inconsistency in some of their tests (alk, ca) have driven me away from their products. I have found that api test kits are much more affordable, as accurate, and way more user friendly than salifert. I personally will never use their kits again.

 

giant water changes, test the new water before you change it so you are absolutely sure. i had this problem and did three 30% changes in a couple weeks and it was fine...get some more advice tho before you do something drastic and kill those corals!