help with test results

[scottayy]

OK, this is my first time dealing with bad results (other than when I cycled) so I'm not quite sure what to do.

I just re-aquascaped including changing the substrate so I am sure that is what caused this.

Ammonia: 0.5
Nitrite: 0.5
Nitrate: 20

I did a 20% PWC about 7 hours ago. Do I just keep doing daily PWC until the numbers are right? (my API test kit booklet says ammo-lock and stress zyme to treat ammonia and nitrite? - any experience there?)

Also, the SG in my tank was 1.025. I mixed some saltwater at 1.024 (to try to bring it down a little.. slowly). I end up with 1.026 in the tank. This is the SECOND time this has happened (getting a higher combined reading when mixing tank salt and mixed salt). What is up with this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[hackteck]

just keep doing water changes

 

[cmor1701d]

Keep doing PWC's. Are you using a refractometer for the SG readings? If not, get one, or calibrate the one you have.

 

[David S]

Dont forget you need to use RO/DI for top up as well as pwc.

 

[scottayy]

I am using a refractometer, and I just calibrated it because it's new (used calibrating fluid). I'm thinking I might have salt creep getting back into the water or something.

I will do another PWC tonight.

 

[cmor1701d]

You are using RODI for your water top off, right?
A reef tank should be maintained at 1.025-1.026.

 

[scottayy]

I use freshwater for topoff. Tap water treated with Prime.
I don't have a reef though, just fish only.

I'm looking at getting an RO/DI unit.. but at the moment I don't want to be lugging jugs back and forth from the LFS.

 

[scottayy]

Ammonia: 0.25
Nitrite: 1
Nitrate: 20
kH: 11
pH: 8.2

I think i am going through a mini mini cycle (ammonia went down, nitrites went up) since I did the substrate change.

I really really dislike my level of nitrites with livestock in the tank.

What sucks is I've used up all of my salt and can't do a pwc tonight. It'll have to wait till tomorrow morning.

 

[Henry405]

maybe try an even lower SG level in the new water. This is just a guess but, the problem MAY be that your evaporation rate is super high, thus your SG remains high, maybe try to use 7% SW + 3% FW for your next 10% PWC. That might lower the SG more

how are your fishes doing?

 

[Rosenweiss]

Also, just as a warning, don't buy ammo-lock and stresszyme probably won't help you either. API is just trying to sell you their stuff.

 

[scottayy]

Yeah it turns out I was reading the refractometer wrong. There was always this gray line in between the white and blue and I was reading either side of that line. Now I turn the eyepiece until there is no gray line in between and read where the blue meets white.

The SG is at 1.023.

My fishes appear fine, but I know the 1ppm nitrite isn't good for them.

 

[Henry405]

thats good to hear. now you can sit back and enjoy a tank that looks more like a SW tank =P

 

[scottayy]

Man, looks like more water changes are in my immediate future. I had it stable for like it's first week after cycling but then I changed things and messed things up lol

amm: 0.5
nitrite: 0.5
nitrate 20

If the nitrates didn't keep shooting back up to 20 I'd be worried. At least I have the peace of mind knowing the nitrogen cycle is in action and should be stable soon.

But boy is it a lot of work! And boy do I feel bad for my fishy friends. I hope I don't kill any before I stabilize.

 

[Saint3402]

Are you using bio balls in you sump?

 

[scottayy]

No sump.. HOB filter. Has a bio-wheel.

 

[Henry405]

I would suggest leaving your old LR in there until the levels stable.

 

[scottayy]

Yeah I haven't taken any out yet for that reason. Then going to remove it very slowly.