battling water parameters

[mellowyellow]

For two weeks I've been having trouble with nitrites and nitrates for some unknown reason. The tank has been up and running for 8 mo. I pwc'd everyday for a week. I think I vacuumed the substrate too much because the tank seemed to go into a minicycle. Today, after an emergency morning pwc finally the nitrites are gone!

Does anyone know what can turn a tank around like this so suddenly. I'd be interested to hear advise.

 

[kingman8610]

Food particles or lack of CUC, too much bioload for tank size, mybe too many pwc's??? all i can think of, someone else may better know than me, but thats what came to my mind b/c my tank has been up since sept, and I've been battling the same thing

 

[mellowyellow]

It's Saturday, New Year's day, and my parameters are great. Two days in a row. I'm going to leave the tank alone. Don't want to disturb it. Good luck with your water. I know the cliche, "when in doubt do a pwc.

 

[mr_X]

overfeeding is the reason- not lack of a cleanup crew. remember, when food is eaten, it's not gone. it's still in the tank. you can have all the cleanup crew in the world, and if you overfeed, your tank will suffer.

stirring up an older sand bed can definitely cause a spike.

there is no such thing as too many water changes. this is assuming you are doing them correctly.

 

[cmor1701d]

Are you using RODI water for all PWCs and top off?
Have you tested your tap water?

Distrubing the sand could cause a mini-cycle to start too.

What are you feeding? If frozen foods, are you rinsing it in tank water or RODI to remove the possible nitrate and phosphate in the food water?

That would be in addition to Brett's remarks.

Good luck.

 

[mellowyellow]

Thanks Mr. X: I'm cutting down on the feeding.

 

[mellowyellow]

Cmor. I don't have RO water now, however I plan on it. We need a new water system at my home to clean the well water and when that happens I'm adding an RO system as well. Thanks for the info.

 

[mellowyellow]

I have a question about RO systems. What is the wasted water and where does it come from and where does it go?

 

[Tad]

I have a question about RO systems. What is the wasted water and where does it come from and where does it go?

RO system gives pure clean water - without minerals - it's about 1 part from 3
The 2 parts from 3 it's the wasting water with heavy metals and other minerals which comes from other pipe. - I using the waste water for my garden

 

[tmcgee]

Yes, if no other use for it then it goes right into the septic system down the drain.

 

[mellowyellow]

waste water

Thanks. Where does the waste water accumulate?

 

[Tad]

I got a big barrel out side home

 

[mellowyellow]

Thanks Tad. So, it what, spills into one of the filters which is then emptied by hand. If so, how often?

 

[David S]

No,RO/DI systems have a drain line coming off them,you can route the line where you like,most people run it to a drain or straight outside!

 

[mellowyellow]

Thank you David S. That answers my question. The time to install is when we get a new water treatment system.