Nitrates and Phosphates are up

[Donna Marie]

I have a 100 gallon tank which is about 4 months old. I treated it for ick two weeks ago and since then I have performed a 10% water change last week. This week my phosphate level was .5 and nitrates were 60. I performed a 15% water change last night. Today my phosphate is .5 and my nitrates are 40. Should I perform another water change?

[Owen]

Hi Donna,

I would do another water change to reduce the nitrates a bit more. Don't let these water parameters drive you crazy! If you are consistent with your water changes and don't overload your system with fish and don't overfeed, you'll be fine. If you have any more questions, I'd be glad to help.

Peggy
www.all-reef.com

[Loverotties]

Are you using RO/DI water?

[Kevin1000]

Assuming your using phosphate/nitrate free water .. water changes should reduce your phosphate and nitrate levels in direct proportion to the amt. of water changed. As such a 15% water change would only remove 15% of what ever your trying to remove.