I have a Nitrite Problem HELP!

[seshapir]

When did you add the rock?

[twoeagle]

What reading is the green? How long have the fish been in your tank? How long has the tank had salt water in it?

THe green says that the salinity is ok the fish has been in the tank for about two months. I waited one month before the fish came, then one fish per week. I have five fish now.

[twoeagle]

One fish one rock, so its scattered through out the two months

[seshapir]

Originally Posted by twoeagle

One fish one rock, so its scattered through out the two months

Ok here we go!! This could be part of the problem. Everytime you add live rock you usually go through a mini cycle which could be a reason why the nitrites have spiked.

My best suggestion which may not be what you want to hear is to see if the store where you bought the fish will take them back or someone else will hold them for you for a month or so.

It's usually a rule of thumb that you should have 1.5-2lbs of live per gallon of your tank. The liverock is you biological filtration in your tank and if you ask most saltwater people one of the most important things you can have. You're going to want a minimum of 150 lbs of live rock and if you add that to the tank now the fish will most likely not survive!

I'm going to look for some links about starting a tank for you to you read. Research and asking LOTS of question will save much heartache in the long run!

[twoeagle]

Originally Posted by seshapir

Ok here we go!! This could be part of the problem. Everytime you add live rock you usually go through a mini cycle which could be a reason why the nitrites have spiked.

My best suggestion which may not be what you want to hear is to see if the store where you bought the fish will take them back or someone else will hold them for you for a month or so.

It's usually a rule of thumb that you should have 1.5-2lbs of live per gallon of your tank. The liverock is you biological filtration in your tank and if you ask most saltwater people one of the most important things you can have. You're going to want a minimum of 150 lbs of live rock and if you add that to the tank now the fish will most likely not survive!

I'm going to look for some links about starting a tank for you to you read. Research and asking LOTS of question will save much heartache in the long run!

Thank you , sounds like that is that the problem. But what to do now? take all live rock out? for how long and why? is it to much of a change to put 150 live rock at one time?

[seshapir]

Originally Posted by twoeagle

Thank you , sounds like that is that the problem. But what to do now? take all live rock out? for how long and why? is it to much of a change to put 150 live rock at one time?

You need live rock as a biological filter, but there's no way you can all that liverock with the fish and inverts still in your tank.

Do you know anyone that can keep your fish for a month or so?? Or will the store you bought them from take them back and give you a credit??

[skeety]

okay...couple things.

FIRST and FOREMOST: Don't feel stupid. We were ALL newbies at one time, and luckily, you've found the one site that's full of people that remember that.

Second: Good advice so far on the bio-wheel. Not needed IF you have enough LR (live rock). It sounds like you might be a little shy on the LR. So first thing you'll want to do is get more. Once you get more, you'll have two choices. 1. Take out any critters in your tank (take 'em to the LFS to hold for a bit) and add the LR to your tank, and wait for the new LR to cycle as well. or 2. Get a big rubbermaid tub, fill it with new SW (saltwater) and put the LR in there with a PH (powerhead) and a heater. Wait for the LR to cycle in the tub. Once it's cycled, add the new LR to your main display tank.

Third: You're not gonna like this, but you're gonna need to get better testing equipment. Look at getting a refractometer to test your salinity (do not spend more than $50 on the refractometer). That color coded test you have is garbage. Also, look into Salifert test kits for your Nitrates, ammonia, etc. See the following link on information about which test kits you'll need, and why.

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...46&postcount=2

I know these test kits may seem expensive to you...but try to put things in perspective. You're spent all this money so far on your tank. Are you really willing to risk it all to save $20-30 on testing equipment? IMO (In MY opinion) bad testing equipment is WORSE than NO testing equipment. If you dont' test...normally, you won't take any action. If you have BAD tests, it can lead you to take actions that maybe aren't needed, or ever worse, are the opposite of what you need to do.

Fourth: Do lots of reading/research/etc. Get some books, do searches here on TRT (the reef tank). I know it's a lot to soak in at times, but I have no doubt that you'll find it enjoyable. Here's a list of books that TRT recommends:

http://www.thereeftank.com/books/

(personally, I LOVE Eric Borneman's book Aquarium Corals. Very nice reference book, as well as good overall information on all the different types of set ups and equipement there is. It's the 2nd book in this list)

Fifth: Keep asking questions. There's no such thing as dumb questions here at TRT. Everyone here is really friendly, and has a sincere desire to see your tank become a healthy beautiful reef. You're really gonna like it here.

That's it for now...but I'd also like to extend a BIG hearty welcome to ya'. Very glad to have you with us!!!

keep us posted!

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...46&postcount=2

[skeety]

Also...a bunch of people on here are going to tell you that the Prism Skimmer is junk. For the most part, they are kinda right. But I have learned how to dial them in, and have had great success with mine. For more information on how to get them dialed in just right, see the following link:

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...69&postcount=3

[whatevva]

Also...a bunch of people on here are going to tell you that the Prism Skimmer is junk. For the most part, they are kinda right. But I have learned how to dial them in, and have had great success with mine. For more information on how to get them dialed in just right, see the following link

Skeety, I have one on the frag tank and I really like it.

[Geoff]

Welcome to TRT!!



not much else to say Skeety and Sara are all over this.

G~

[seshapir]

Skeety awesome!! You found all the links I was trying to find for him!

You should for sure check out the links skeety gave you, they'll be a big help!

[twoeagle]

Thanks a million to you all! so far Im liking this place! good job to you all thanks for all the help, I will post pictures once I get everything good to go! My fish are greatfull and send a big thanks as well!

[Twitterbait]

I would recommend in addition that in the interm you go and grab a swing arm salinity meter from the pet store. they are about $6-10 and will give you a quick reading. I assume the one you have now is just a glass float? we really want to check the salinity ASAP. the fish can handle the higher nitrates for a few days but the salt level can kill much quicker.

[twoeagle]

Originally Posted by Twitterbait

I would recommend in addition that in the interm you go and grab a swing arm salinity meter from the pet store. they are about $6-10 and will give you a quick reading. I assume the one you have now is just a glass float? we really want to check the salinity ASAP. the fish can handle the higher nitrates for a few days but the salt level can kill much quicker.

Thanks for the info, on my way to the pet store Now!

[combiemaster]

Ok this is what you do need at least 150 pounds of live rock take out all your fish from there get someone to hold them for you. do a major water change let it cycle out and wait till your nitrates and nitrites are at zero. then gradualy add your fish back. Oh and you might want to have a deeper sand bed than that i have my 60 gallong and i have a 2.5 to 3 inch sand bed. does anyone agree with me