I just cycled my tank. Its a 40G breeder. I have 2 powerheads in it a hob whisper filter and a 403 fluval canister filter. I have only had the tank up for about a week. I know people say the canister filters are nitrate factories. I am guessing this could be my problem. I did a quick cycle with 50 lbs of established LR and new sand with a couple handfulls of sand from my buddies established tank. I also put in some "smart start" (bio spira stuff) LFS insisted it works amazing and gave it to me for free so I figured why not. Well in 24 hours I had 0 ammonia 0 nitrite and 20 nitrate so I did a 10 gallon water change. 48 hours later I tested again and had the same levels. did another 10 G water change. 3 hours later tested same parameters. WHERE the heck is all the nitrate coming from? Is it possible for the canister to be putting out nitrates that quickly? I did put a sea hare in there to get rid of the hair algea which he has done an amazing job by the way. I did notice ALOT of waste he left behind. Maybe thats another reason for the high nitrates? I am using red sea salt with R/O water.
Any advice is helpful. I plan of building a sump asap. Using a 20G long with a CPR bak pack skimmer and putting a refugium in it.
Any advice is helpful. I plan of building a sump asap. Using a 20G long with a CPR bak pack skimmer and putting a refugium in it.
