My 55 gallon salt water tank has been established for 8 months. I presently have a yellow tang, a four striped damsel, a cleaner shrimp, and snaills. My levels have been normal but in the last two weeks my Nitrite levels have been steadily climbing. It's not high at 10ppm but my main concern is to get it taken care of before it gets out of control. I've done a 30% water change with absolutely no results. Pls help.
Nitrite levels pls help!!
- Thread starter malang
- Start date
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Did you have anything die in the tank? Can you take a sample to your LFS to double check your results. Have you medicated your tank? That might have killed some of the nitrifying bacteria in your tank. How often are you feeding? Just some questions that might help.
mr_X
Aquarium Advice Addict
10ppm nitrate is nothing to be alarmed about. as a matter of fact, i wouldn't be concerned at all. just do weekly water changes and you'll be fine.
mr_X
Aquarium Advice Addict
it's impossible to say. every system and it's care is different.
mr_X
Aquarium Advice Addict
water changes, refugiums/macro algae, using nitrate removing media in a reactor, vodka dosing.
mr_X
Aquarium Advice Addict
adding vodka to the tank to lower the nutrient level.
Vodka Dosing by 'Genetics' and 'Stony_Corals' - Reefkeeping.com
Vodka Dosing by 'Genetics' and 'Stony_Corals' - Reefkeeping.com
mr_X
Aquarium Advice Addict
no problem! good luck with the tank!
mr_X
Aquarium Advice Addict
ah..keep us posted.
Mr. X I tried the vodka dosing method but I misread the instructions. I added 2ml of instead of .02 ml of vodka like instructed. However, the fish are not stressed and my levels decreased halfway in three days. I am undecided on whether to continue with my method or drastically reduce the amount of vodka.
mr_X
Aquarium Advice Addict
i would go back to the recommended dosage and start again from there. there is a reason why you are to do it gradually.
pretty cool how vodka works huh!
pretty cool how vodka works huh!
Really cool, but I have a question about this method. Is there any drawbacks to the continual use of vodka as a maintenance method for Nitrate levels? I know the article mentions about using it on a regular basis, but I can't help wonder about the long term effects.
mr_X
Aquarium Advice Addict
it's not harmful as long as you keep track of your dosage. testing for nitrates regularly, and adding just what you need to accomplish your goal.
i wouldn't even worry about nitrates unless you plan on keeping sps.
like the article said, watch your livestock and add accordingly.
i wouldn't even worry about nitrates unless you plan on keeping sps.
like the article said, watch your livestock and add accordingly.
