New tank readings 90 Gallon PLease Advise!!

sks4613 · 08-08-2009, 11:34 PM

Reading today from the new 90 set up are a little confusing to my. I am sure this is mostly to my own misunderstanding so if anyone can clarify please help. Some of these numbers seem way off to me.
Here Goes
S.P. 1.023 (no problem there)
Ammonia 8.0 plus (3rd day now)
Nitrites 1.0 (two days ago was .25)
Nitrates 20 (first test to show any)
PH 7.9 8.1 (not sure on the color)
Calcium 600?? (this confuses me as I have not supplemented)
Phosphate .25
KH Carbonate Hardness 175 PPM KH (not sure I have only used RO water from my LFS seems REALLY hard to me)

Anyways total tank set up is 90 up about 90 lbs LR and 20 base 45 refugium with LS and Mangrove and spaghetti algae. Top has about 2" LS in it as well.
I am not sure why I am hitting all the Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrates in the cycle. I was under the impression one consumed the other and so one. Perhaps this is normal perhaps not. Trying to level out PH and Calc, KH now.
PLEASE HELP!!

Doug1 · 08-09-2009, 12:09 AM

What test kits are you using?

quader94 · 08-09-2009, 12:12 AM

how old is the test kit? and did you clean the kit before you tested ?

bcrum51 · 08-09-2009, 01:32 AM

Here's a better question how long has the tank been up maybe its cycling that would be the reason for the jump in ammonia and nitrites right IDK about the calcium or Kh maybe the LFS has less them par water test it first to see what you get and 20 nitrate isnt bad if its a new tank give it a few weeks it will level out

bcrum51 · 08-09-2009, 01:36 AM

oh and the PH some times the LFS PH levels are low and need buffed before you add the water just add some PH buffer and it will come up if its a new tank its all part of the cycle I wouldnt even test it for a couple weeks if there is no fish in it just let it ride and you'll be fine dont get antsy

Doug1 · 08-09-2009, 04:32 PM

FWIW I don't trust drop or strip tests for pH, and you should have your SG @ about 1.025 tested with a refractometer, hydrometers are notoriously inacurate. With readings like that I really have to suspect the test kits you are using