Should I do another large water change?

Respen · 10/13/2018, 11:03 PM

So, I've noticed a spike in my nutrients in my 24g nano. I did a 5 gallon water change 2 days ago and today I'm seeing Nitrates pushing 20. Ammonia and Nitrites are zero. Without getting too far off subject, I'm just wondering if there is any reason I shouldn't do another water change tomorrow of 10 gallons to keep the nitrates below 10 for the sake of the livestock.

It's a very new tank, cycled with bio spira (and dr tim's actually). I saw a bit of algae pop up, but it looks like it's died down since (maybe causing some of the nitrate rise).

Anyway, what would you do? Let the nitrates rise or go with the agressive water changes every few days to keep them below 10?

Possibly relevant info

Tank age: 7 weeks

inhabitants:
2 juvenile clowns
goby shrimp pair
pom pom crab
5 hermits
2 astrea snails

small zoanthid colony
torch

Filtration:
floss, chemi pure elite, purigen and a tunze 9001 skimmer.

mcgyvr · 10/14/2018, 06:37 AM

You can always do water changes and they are a good way of reducing nutrient levels..
Change away to keep nitrates low if you want..

20 isnt bad at all for a new tank but it can get out of control quick... Id just recommend you stay with a 5g change once a week at this point and see how it trends

Respen · 10/14/2018, 07:06 AM

Thanks for the feedback! I'm going to check my nitrates and probably take your advice if they haven't risen much over night.

Sugar Magnolia · 10/14/2018, 05:12 PM

How old is your tank? Have you properly cycled it? When did the livestock go in and how long before each addition?

Water changes are the easiest way to reduce nitrates.

PeterHall · 10/14/2018, 05:25 PM

Just make sure your fresh saltwater is warmed up close to the tanks temperature. Have you tested your fresh saltwater for nitrate? I had a buddy who got some bad water and it started a algae nightmare.

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10/13/2018, 11:03 PM	#1
Respen Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 5	Should I do another large water change? So, I've noticed a spike in my nutrients in my 24g nano. I did a 5 gallon water change 2 days ago and today I'm seeing Nitrates pushing 20. Ammonia and Nitrites are zero. Without getting too far off subject, I'm just wondering if there is any reason I shouldn't do another water change tomorrow of 10 gallons to keep the nitrates below 10 for the sake of the livestock. It's a very new tank, cycled with bio spira (and dr tim's actually). I saw a bit of algae pop up, but it looks like it's died down since (maybe causing some of the nitrate rise). Anyway, what would you do? Let the nitrates rise or go with the agressive water changes every few days to keep them below 10? Possibly relevant info Tank age: 7 weeks inhabitants: 2 juvenile clowns goby shrimp pair pom pom crab 5 hermits 2 astrea snails small zoanthid colony torch Filtration: floss, chemi pure elite, purigen and a tunze 9001 skimmer.

10/14/2018, 06:37 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	You can always do water changes and they are a good way of reducing nutrient levels.. Change away to keep nitrates low if you want.. 20 isnt bad at all for a new tank but it can get out of control quick... Id just recommend you stay with a 5g change once a week at this point and see how it trends __________________ Who me?

10/14/2018, 05:12 PM	#4
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	How old is your tank? Have you properly cycled it? When did the livestock go in and how long before each addition? Water changes are the easiest way to reduce nitrates. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

10/14/2018, 07:06 AM	#3
Respen Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 5	Thanks for the feedback! I'm going to check my nitrates and probably take your advice if they haven't risen much over night.

10/14/2018, 05:25 PM	#5
PeterHall Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Pacific Palisades, CA Posts: 199	Just make sure your fresh saltwater is warmed up close to the tanks temperature. Have you tested your fresh saltwater for nitrate? I had a buddy who got some bad water and it started a algae nightmare. Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk