Readings... Hmmm...

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Ash and Mike, Jun 22, 2008.

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  1. Ash and Mike

    Ash and Mike Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2008
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    Location:
    Alaska
    Apologies ahead of time for all the smilies lol... :goldfish:

    So this is the beginning of the third week of our tank's cycling, we decided to do a full reading with our "Master Reef Kit" tonight (btw, Ash found out that it does not test the pH, Nitrite, or Ammonia levels... :oops: looks like more little test boxes for us!).... here are our results:

    *Calcium (Ca 2+): 420 mg/l

    *KH (Carbonate Hardness): 11 degrees or 196.6 ppm KH

    *Phosphate (PO4 3-): 0.0 mg/l

    *Nitrates (NO3-): 20 mg/l

    :dunce: WHOA...so our nitrates seemed a little high... was just wondering for input as to what we should do. I know that a water change would help our nitrate levels, however if I remember correctly, we should not do water changes during the cycling of the tank, and that during cycling the nitrates will vary until it gets to a very small amount--which is possibly when the tank is "cycled" (?)...
    :thinking:

    --We did leave the protein skimmer OFF for about two days, until we JUST (as in like 5 minutes ago...) decided to turn it back on after our question post about on or off... I know that that could contribute to the high(er) nitrate levels as well... anyhows, any feedback would be great, as we would like to ensure we make the tank a good home for its future inhabitants! :)
    :sunny: :fish:
     
    Ash and Mike, Jun 22, 2008
    Ash and Mike, Jun 22, 2008
    #1

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  2. coral reefer

    coral reefer Giant Squid

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    Nitrates are a bit high, but that is not out of the ordinary! Your tank is cycling!
    Don't do anything...let nature take its course, and yes no water changes during the cycling process and running the skimmer is a plus during the cycling stage....I always run it during the cycle!
    Once your cycle is complete, I would run a powerhead and blow off the live rock to remove any detritus and dead, decaying organisms for you to remove with a water change. Once that is done, you can start adding some livestock, if water parameters are good!
    While this cycling is carrying out, what you should be doing is reading and researching as to what you would like to eventually have in your ank and the type of tank as well. From this you can branch out and read husbandry and compatability requirements regarding what you would like to purchase!
    best of luck!
     
    coral reefer, Jun 22, 2008
    coral reefer, Jun 22, 2008
    #2
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  3. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Well said, is Nitrates (NO3-): 20 mg/l the same as 20ppm? Luna
     
    lunatik_69, Jun 22, 2008
    lunatik_69, Jun 22, 2008
    #3
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  4. omard

    omard Gnarly Old Codfish

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    Silverdale, Washington
    Nitrates will come down as biofilter evolves.

    Will increase again as soon as you start adding fish...why you must do very slowly over time.

    Looking good!!!
     
    omard, Jun 22, 2008
    omard, Jun 22, 2008
    #4
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  5. coral reefer

    coral reefer Giant Squid

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    my mess up...20mg/l is what i meant to say!!!!
    Thanks hehehe...
     
    coral reefer, Jun 22, 2008
    coral reefer, Jun 22, 2008
    #5