are nitrates a culprit?

[pufferman]

Hey all,

I tested my nitrates and they were surpsingly up at 30-40. I have been doing water 10-15% water changes daily for two days and they have reduced to 15-20. I am doing this until they get to 0-5. Could the nitrates be a high contributor to my cyano? I am using Phosphate Sponge and have to change it out today. I not sure about placing snails due to the high level of nitrates. What do you think?

 

[seaham358]

No snails right now, they won't eat cyno anyway. Have you tested you water for phosphates? Have you tested the water your using as top off?
High nitrates, do you know why there high?

 

[pufferman]

i was using bathtub water for my top-offs and i didnt change my water for about three months. im so stupid. I am using R/O water as i have learned my lessons about water quality. I thought that my tank was totally on autopilot with Chemi-Pure. again, so stupid