Can't get nitrates lower than 40ppm even after water changes...options?

jdircksen · 08/30/2006, 08:35 PM

I've had my 24g nanocube for 1.3 years. For a while, I didn't do water changes as much as I should have and didn't know I was supposed to clean the sponges in the filtration compartments. I've never lost any fish, only 2 shrimp and 2 snails, but I can't be certain they didn't die for reasons other than nitrates. For the past 2 months, I've been trying to get my nitrates down since they were off the charts. I have done 4 40% water changes and my nitrates are still around 40ppm.

What are my options?

I read that a sump/refugium may help, but then the filtration compartments in the nanocube would be wasted space.

Would changing my bulbs affect nitrates? I've been using the original 2x36w 50/50 since day 1.

Any other ideas?

jgarrison · 08/30/2006, 08:47 PM

Bulbs need changing and I think yor DSB is dying

jdircksen · 08/30/2006, 08:55 PM

very interesting. what can I do about the sand? thanks

steve the plumb · 08/30/2006, 09:09 PM

change it.Its finished by now.More than likely thats whats causing your nitrates.Second the bulbs need to be changed every 6 months.Third don't use sponges,also a nitrate factory.You are better of using filter floss and changing it either once a week or once every two weeks(you have a small tank) don't reuse it.The nitrates are in the rock and the system it will take some time to get rid of them but you should change the sand bed.You have a small tank so its not that hard and don't keep the sponges throw them away like I said use the filter floos when it gets dirty throw it away you can buy it in rools

atvdave · 08/30/2006, 09:36 PM

sponges are nitrates farm's. That's where they bread. If you can get rid if all of your filtration sponges and replace with Live rock.

This only if you can. I dint know much about a nanocube.

But sponges, bio ball's, & filter pad's are all nitrate breading grounds.

Dave

cweder · 08/30/2006, 09:53 PM

I would check your replacement water first. Even if your rock and sand bed were leaching back nitrates they would gradually go up. You should be getting immediate results with your water changes as long as your newly mixed water is free of nitrate. How does the water you use for salt and top off measure?

08/30/2006, 08:35 PM	#1
jdircksen Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 43081 Posts: 659	Can't get nitrates lower than 40ppm even after water changes...options? I've had my 24g nanocube for 1.3 years. For a while, I didn't do water changes as much as I should have and didn't know I was supposed to clean the sponges in the filtration compartments. I've never lost any fish, only 2 shrimp and 2 snails, but I can't be certain they didn't die for reasons other than nitrates. For the past 2 months, I've been trying to get my nitrates down since they were off the charts. I have done 4 40% water changes and my nitrates are still around 40ppm. What are my options? I read that a sump/refugium may help, but then the filtration compartments in the nanocube would be wasted space. Would changing my bulbs affect nitrates? I've been using the original 2x36w 50/50 since day 1. Any other ideas?

08/30/2006, 08:47 PM	#2
jgarrison Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Albany NY Posts: 231	Bulbs need changing and I think yor DSB is dying

08/30/2006, 08:55 PM	#3
jdircksen Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 43081 Posts: 659	very interesting. what can I do about the sand? thanks

08/30/2006, 09:09 PM	#4
steve the plumb Moved On Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 3,664	change it.Its finished by now.More than likely thats whats causing your nitrates.Second the bulbs need to be changed every 6 months.Third don't use sponges,also a nitrate factory.You are better of using filter floss and changing it either once a week or once every two weeks(you have a small tank) don't reuse it.The nitrates are in the rock and the system it will take some time to get rid of them but you should change the sand bed.You have a small tank so its not that hard and don't keep the sponges throw them away like I said use the filter floos when it gets dirty throw it away you can buy it in rools

08/30/2006, 09:36 PM	#5
atvdave Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newburgh, IN Posts: 1,763	sponges are nitrates farm's. That's where they bread. If you can get rid if all of your filtration sponges and replace with Live rock. This only if you can. I dint know much about a nanocube. But sponges, bio ball's, & filter pad's are all nitrate breading grounds. Dave

08/30/2006, 09:53 PM	#6
cweder Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 550	I would check your replacement water first. Even if your rock and sand bed were leaching back nitrates they would gradually go up. You should be getting immediate results with your water changes as long as your newly mixed water is free of nitrate. How does the water you use for salt and top off measure?