[bmartin1192]

The Nitrate Level in my 55g has risen to an unhealthy level in my tank. I have done 2 seperate water changes since I noticed the increase. I first noticed it a 3-4 weeks ago. The first water change was approx. 10%, this reduced the levels for a short time, then they climbed back up. I changed the water again, this time it was approx 20% water change. And the level has gone back up again. I do use RO/DI water to do the change. My Nitrite levels are OK, so is the PH reading. Ammonia is a little high but I attributed that to the nitrate level. What could be causing the Nitrate level to increase. I am getting really frustrated when I have the tank going great then all of a sudden I have some problem which crashes my system. My Coraline Algae seems to be turning white, from its normal purple.

Prior to this happening I had a guy I hired to do my water change and he had added at that time a 5 snails and 2 hermit crabs. They have all since died off.. I did have a tang disappear in the tank, its not that big, but he was there one day and gone the next. If he went under a rock and died could that be the reason for the increased Nitrate levels? Any help would be greatly appreciated..

 

[bmartin1192]

Yes I do, have an understanding of cycling. I have had the tank up and running for well over 1 year now. Probably closer to 2 years. I don't know what caused those snails and crabs to die, the guy who changed my water that time added them. Then maybe a week or so later they started turning up dead. My nitrates started to rise then. The snails are all that have been added for the past 3 months or so. I had my tank the way I liked it. I now have 2 snails left, 1 hermit crab, 1 damsel and a maroon clown. My bubble anonme has all but closed in on itself, another bubble coral has not opened in a while. Couple of the other corals look stressed but otherwise OK, if that makes sense. I was thinking about doing another water change this weekend, maybe a bit larger thought this time...

 

[bmartin1192]

As far as I know he used RO Water when he changed the water. He told me it was. As far as making any additions, only the addition of the snails and crabs, nothing else changed on my tank. Last time I added anything was the tang, maybe 3-4 months ago.... I do use some additive. I use 1/2 teaspoon of Iodine 2x a week,, calcium also 2x a week, plus Seachem's Reef Builder(raises carbonate alkalinity) also 2x a week (half a teaspoon)