Nitrate at 60. Diatoms Blooming.

So I finally got my nitrite to 0!!!! The bad news is my nitrate is at 60. My Diatom bloom started 2 days ago. Should I do water changes? If Yes, How many?

 

Seems like a good time for one.

 

When I do a water change, I really never see a difference in nitrate. Should I do one every day?

 

Are you doing water changes with tap water?

 

Yes Dechlorinated tap water. I tested my tapwater for nitrates and it didn't have any in it. I am looking into getting an ro unit with a friend on mine

 

Hmmm, test your tap water again just to verify. Unless you have a heavy bio-load or overfeed, your nitrate free tap water should be bringing it down.; unless it's not nitrate free.

 

Just tested it like 20 minutes ago lol. How many water changes should I do?

 

What did you use to test? Maybe try a 10% water change daily and monitor.

 

API Saltwater Master Test Kit

 

Uhhhhmmmmmm I hate to be the barer of bad news but not all tap water is able to be used for water changes in a salt water tank. In fact there was a recent discussion about this here recently. Its not the chlorine that your concerned with. There are other particles in your water that you need to be watching for: fluoride, iron, phosphates all of which are harmful to a reef tank. I'm not totally discouraging you from doing a tap water change, but I would find out exactly what is in your water before you start throwing it into your tank!

This is also the reason why many reefers and lfs suggest you use rodi water to do your water changes.