Nitrates and Specific Gravity

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by bsutton, Jul 1, 2010.

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  1. bsutton

    bsutton Feather Duster

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    So my cycle will be 3 weeks tomorrow. I had my LFS testing about 1 to 2 times a week. Now I cant find my notes. I do have my own API kit now and here are the results.
    PH 8.2 - 8.4
    Amm. 0
    Nitrite 0
    Nitrate .05 to 10
    SG 1.026 to 1.027
    Is my SG and Nitrates too high? SG was a bit lower last week (own a deep 6 hydrometer). I will test for about another week but if all stays the same would I be ready for CUC? Also, is now the time to add my skimmer and do a water change? Thanks in advance.

    Brian
     
    bsutton, Jul 1, 2010
    bsutton, Jul 1, 2010
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  2. reefmonkey

    reefmonkey Giant Squid

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    If you did your tests correctly then you would be fine adding a CuC imo. You might want to consider ditching the hydrometer and buy a refractometer. They're so much more reliable and accurate. Hydrometers are prone to error especially by the tiniest bubbles on the needle.
     
    reefmonkey, Jul 1, 2010
    reefmonkey, Jul 1, 2010
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  3. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    +1 on above
    1.026 -1.027 is OK IME , but keep on top of evaporation otherwise it will continue to climb - add fresh RODI water to replace evaporated water ( and sorry, I know, you know that)

    I would also be adding a few snails and hermits about now, I wouldnt add the full crew, I would want to asses the reaction of the ones I did add for a week or 2 before adding more

    skimmer - yes , it would be a good time to set that up and get it dialed in , they can take a few days to start producing any skimmate, and dont expect much at present as you dont have much waste being produced

    water change , wont harm anything to do one now, but those nitrates are very low so probably no benefit to performing one just yet -

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Jul 1, 2010
    steve wright, Jul 1, 2010
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  4. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    Sounds like your typical, non-reliable, hydrometer.

    Refractometers are relatively cheap, easier/cleaner to use, and magnitudes more reliable.
     
    Peredhil, Jul 1, 2010
    Peredhil, Jul 1, 2010
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  5. bsutton

    bsutton Feather Duster

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    K+ guys. My wife got me a skimmer but it wont fit. Trying to sell it now. Looking for another. Is it ok to hold off on that? Also, Reefcleaners gave me a quote. Should I split in in half or thirds?


    Brian
     
    bsutton, Jul 1, 2010
    bsutton, Jul 1, 2010
    #5
  6. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    I put my entire order from reefcleaners in at once.... I'd ask their opinion though.
     
    Peredhil, Jul 1, 2010
    Peredhil, Jul 1, 2010
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  7. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    Skimmer
    you dont have much to skim at present so holding off for a few weeks is not an issue IME

    As you bioload increases, especcially as fish are added, thats a time you will want to be skimmered up IMO

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Jul 2, 2010
    steve wright, Jul 2, 2010
    #7