Nitrates!!!

jeri427 · 06-01-2005, 08:29 PM

I have a 29g tank. I have recently switched from CC to LS. I have 18# of LR. In the course of changing over I replaced most of the water. I am just finishing a mini cycle. My question is that my nitrates are still sky high. I had hoped that removing the UGF, and CC would help and as I said I have replaced most of the water. I use filtered tap water, which I know isn't the best idea, but I have tested it for nitrates and it comes up 0. Any ideas???

tims · 06-01-2005, 08:32 PM

it just needs a little more time.
you can do a waer change to help a bit. but you started the tank sorta all over.. how much ditirous was under the UGF?

Casey · 06-01-2005, 08:37 PM

Jeri and welcome to TRT glad to have ya

VWD · 06-01-2005, 08:45 PM

Welcome and i agree with tim , You may have more cycle time now. keep checking and do some water changes as needed.

jeri427 · 06-01-2005, 08:47 PM

The bottom of the tank was very cloudy. I actually thought it would be worse. It had been up for 6years. Right now I have a diatom bloom on the rocks and sand. How often can I do water changes to help get the nitrates down?

wharyat · 06-01-2005, 08:55 PM

Welcome Jeri!

You can try WC's of 10% or so for twice a week for the next few; keep the volumes small >=10% but just increase the frequency.

jeri427 · 06-01-2005, 09:01 PM

Thanks for the help and the quick replies!!! When do you think it would be safe to add a cleaner shrimp? I have 1 yellow-tail damsel (3yrs) 1 turbo and 12 astreas and 12 blue leg crabs.

VWD · 06-01-2005, 09:41 PM

Give it some time before You add anything to Your Tank

Loverotties · 06-01-2005, 09:42 PM

Welcome and yes you can add but keep doing your WC.

tims · 06-01-2005, 10:05 PM

that i think depends on what else you have in there now. I would let the clean up crew do its job. the damsel may have to go to the LFS , if you want more fish down the line. they can be a bit nasty to others. letting the tank zero out woudl be a safe way to do it.