Fighting nitrate spike - need reassurance :(

[tebstan]

My nitrates have always been between 5-10. Now suddenly the nitrates are resting at about 20-30.

I know this isn't anything to panic about... yet I am. I have had some changes to the tank. I found new homes for a pair of clowns and a large tang. I *think* I adjusted feeding accordingly. I also rearranged all the rock, took out a few pieces and put in a few new ones. And, I added another 20lb of sand.

When I saw the nitrate rise I changed 25% of the water. No change in nitrates. Another 25% a few days later, and another 25% a few days later, and another... Still, no change in nitrates. Also tried a nitrate reducing media, knowing its probably just a gimmick but willing to try... no change so far.

I'm starting to be suspiscious of my year-old API nitrate test kit. Unfortunately no one seems to have the salifert in stock until Nov 1. Could it be that the rock and sand changes are causing some nitrate spikes and my water changes only kept it in check without reducing it?

During this time, every tank occupant is looking healthy and extended. Even the "rescue" corals are showing new growth and the "difficult" corals are showing polyp extension. I have no SPS. All softies, LPS, and a few NPS. So how concerned do I need to be?

[txav8r]

Try another test kit. What is the date on the bottle you have?

[Gseclipse02]

if you want you can bring in some water to A.D. and ill test it we also have the salifert test kits

[SABOB]

API Nitrate test kits are notoriously bad.Mine showed Blood Red color,took sample to LFS...their test showed minimal Nitrates.

[tebstan]

The bottle is from 09, so supposed to be good for another year or two. As much as I test its almost empty anyway, so I'm willing to buy a better one for the piece of mind. I'm a little... obsessive. 20 nitrates is stressing me out.

GSEclipse... do you have it in stock for sale?

[CoryDude]

API Nitrate test kits are notoriously bad.Mine showed Blood Red color,took sample to LFS...their test showed minimal Nitrates.

Same here. I use API's to get a range of the NO3 levels. I use them for weekly tests. But, if there's a sudden change, then I'll use the Salifert to get a more exact reading.

[ErikH]

API kits tank pretty quickly.

Have you blasted your rocks recently? I find that detritus will build up in small pockets, which could be causing the issue.

[tebstan]

I use a turkey baster to clean them pretty regularly. After rearranging the rocks I don't have as many deadspots as I used to. I was careful not to disturb the base rock, but everything else got picked up and pulled out, so it was pretty murky for a bit.

When I added new sand, it was 20lb of carib sea live sand. I know that stuff can lead to problems if its rank when the bag is opened, but I was lucky enough to get it fresh and direct from carib sea. I also rinsed it in old tank water as best I could. Still, that's got to cause some nitrifying bacteria issues, I would think.

I've only added 20lb so far. I originally planned on adding 40-60 total, but after Ping's presentation at LMAR I'm thinking I need to stop here or add a lot more than 60, for a true DSB.

[justahobby]

Bad kits usually go to the extreme on readings. It's very possible the nitrates crept up on you. It's part of your tank aging. Try turning off you pumps and stirring the substrate while syphoning, plus turkey basting the rocks. Keep at it and you'll get it under control. A stable tank will handle that range of nitrates just fine

[Kristy]

As Justin said, the tank should be able to handle the nitrates at 20 without showing ill effects, so take a breath and settle down! ;)

I think it is very possible to see nitrates creep from 10ish to 20ish by disturbing the rocks and sandbed as you have. You mentioned that the rearranging of the rocks = fewer dead spots now. That means you are currently blasting flow on areas of rock that have previously been detritus collectors. That would logically release some stored up nitrates. Same goes with the sand. Not sure how regularly or how seldom your sand got stirred before, but adding 20 new pounds to it could definitely cause a bit of disruption to pockets of stored muck. Just keep an eye on it, get a comparison water test from a LFS, and continue regular water changes (nothing radical needed).