Nitrates

I just done a 50% water change sunday (no fish) and my Nitrates are already up between 20 and 40. What would cause them to raise so quick?

 

Thats too much water to be changing out at once.
I would say you started a cycle again.

 

Wrong on both

 

I wouldn't do that big of a water change myself unless it is an emergency. I top myself off at 30% and I would only do one that big once a month at most (with no WC in-between). It tends to stress out the livestock as much or more than the increased nitrates. Lots of smaller water changes over time are much better than one big one.

And I don't think you started a new cycle. If you are fishless, then you are not feeding. Since you only have a few things in there I would presume that you have something rotting in there somewhere. Or a little in a lot of places. It will even out in time.

Now, there are a few things you can do. To control nitrates, I can think of three things off the top of my head. One....you already know. Water changes. But that is a band-aid.

The second is a denitrator. Tangster builds these. They take a few months to kick in and cure, but with a 55g, you can't go wrong in purchasing one of those. Roger makes them himself and prices them very reasonably. That is your most cost-effective option.

The last method is the refugium. This is something you can plan on and build yourself for a reasonable price. I put mine together for about $80 using eggcrate, acrylic and a 20g long. Another $15 will buy you the plumbing supplies and another $30 for a return pump. $30 for a jar of mud, $15 or so for some sand. $30 for a starter kit of macros. It will nickle and dime you up there a bit, so if you want to go that route, just be aware. I was in no rush to get mine going, so I think I took about four months spreading out the cost. Every time I went to the LFS, I got another piece of the puzzle, or I purchased something online on payday. That sort of thing.

Edit: Forgot the HOB overflow. You can pay upto $120 or more for a good one. So add that on.......

 

Comical! lol

 

He could also be at the end of his cycle. Since I dont know his history, am just shooting in the dark. Luna

 

Correction; Actually, correct on both, to a degree. Replacing 1/2 of the total water volume is for emergencies where in, the present condition is more dangerous to the inhabitants than doing the massive water change. The downside of having to do a 50% water change is you are removing some beneficial bacteria and perhaps, to a greater or lesser degree, nutrients and trace elements, thus throwing the chemistry of the water out of balance. The reduction of the bacteria means the remaining bacteria have to reproduce to handle the bio load. In the interim another cycle will commence as there are not enough bacteria present to maintain the filtration system. I guess I am unfamiliar with your set up, therefore I don't have an inkling as to a potential source of the Nitrate. If you have submitted all your parameters and tank set up somewhere, direct me to it and I will give an assessment.

 

Well said. K+

 

What were your nitrates before you did the W/C?


If you don't have fish... why are you doing any W/C to begin with?


Are you using tap water? Nitrates can come in that way.

 

I thought it was funny to but he was only right on one part and still didnt answer the question, might as well have not made a post at all so I threw a curve in th ewhole thing...Thank's John I will get with Tangster but am going to do lights first...