My tank is off.

[sampsonndelila]

Today I ran a test on my water. Admittedly the first in about a month. Well it turns out my water is a little funky. I am most worried about the nitrate.

Nitrate 0.50
Ammonia- 0.25
N03- 5.0
PH- 8.4 this is up from 7.4 a month ago.

I have a 4 inch sand bed and 500 lbs of live rock. I had a really good clean up crew, but I think the trigger has been eating them one at a time.

Before everyone starts screaming water change, it not really that easy! I was wondering if this is really panic time or should I just slowly change 20% of my water over the next 2 weeks. I know I have a really large Bio-load and that should go back to normal soon. I will be loosing 14 inches of fish-- I am babysitting

[corruption]

I would worry most about the ammonia, personally -- that mean there something producing above the capacity of your nitrification to handle.... or your test kits are off. What kind of test kits are you using? Might be worthwhile to run by Gabe's or another sponsor and get yoiur water tested by someone else -- verify your readings against another kit.

-Justin

[sampsonndelila]

Oh, I am running a protein skimmer and a UV sterilizer.
My tank is very rarely off and has never been this off. I might be over feeding too.

[cbianco]

I would be worried about the ammonia. What's going on there? To large of a bioload, something dying or too much food? Is you test kit wrong?

I would personally do a WC to lower the ammonia. Of course I have a 30 gallon not a 275 gallon tank.

Christopher

[sampsonndelila]

Good idea my test kit is about 100 yrs old. Mabey like 2yrs old.

[corruption]

What brand? Either way, at 2 years I'd call it suspect -- go by Gabe's tomorrow and get your water tested if you can... he'll take care of you :)

-Justin

[sampsonndelila]

The color of the Ammonia is really close between 0 and 0.25. Its hard to tell.

[Still Learning]

Overfeeding can cause a lot of issues. Usually people don't think they are overfeeding, so you saying you might be gives me some concern. While you are doing the other suggestions, might double check the feeding routine too.

[Pennies2Cents]

Hey Carter, I hope everything turns out ok for the good of all your fish! :) Those extra 14 inches will be in their new home soon.. Thanks for all you have done.. And it is very much appreciated.

[kkiel02]

Yeah get someone to double check those results and if they are still showing ammonia and nitrite you know what you have to do. I know it sucks in these big tanks but it might have to be done.

[sampsonndelila]

No problem, everything is fine. I am just a little concerned I think I might be overfeeding a little.

[sampsonndelila]

Checked again today at Gabe, guess my nitrate is high. So I am in the middle of a 90 gallon water change... I really hate doing these, this much at a time. I will let you all know how it goes.

[Gseclipse02]

Checked again today at Gabe, guess my nitrate is high. So I am in the middle of a 90 gallon water change... I really hate doing these, this much at a time. I will let you all know how it goes.


holy crap that's a lot of water :sick:

let me know if you need anything or help carter

[sampsonndelila]

Only 3 trash cans... not too bad. I mixed it all last night. I am trying to match the water temp before I shock anything. I really hate loosing fish.

[sampsonndelila]

Whew! That is done. I hope everything makes it. I have neverdone a waterchange that big before- I may have made a mistake replacing the water in the sump rather then from the main tank. the only reason I think it was a mistake is in doing so I stirred A LOT of dirt and gunk. If I had done it in the main display that might have happened.

[sampsonndelila]

Thanks again JT, lifesaver. I keep saying that to you.

My RODI water reads 015, and my tap is 280. My RO unit is only about 6 months old. I thought it would last longer then that but oh well. Your the man.

[sampsonndelila]

Looks like everything made it through the the night.

[Pennies2Cents]

Thats great news...

[sampsonndelila]

Yep, no floaters!

[Gseclipse02]

Thanks again JT, lifesaver. I keep saying that to you.

My RODI water reads 015, and my tap is 280. My RO unit is only about 6 months old. I thought it would last longer then that but oh well. Your the man.


no problem carter any time

now is your water unit a ro unit or rodi ??? i could of sworn it was an RO unit and if its at 15 tds for an RO that isn't bad i don't think ( correct me if I'm wrong) but if its and rodi that's high but you don't have a reef so i wouldn't think it would be to much of an issue