high nitrates

drakestraw · 06/14/2008, 11:23 AM

I did a nitrate test today with the API test and the test came out at 40 to 80ppm

what is weird is the fact that all my fish are doing fine with no signs of stress.even the anemone is doing well.

i do 10% water changes once a week and use distilled water. i have a protien skimmer. i have one maroon clown one pygmy angel(new) and two chromises.

could it be to big of a bioload or a faulty test and for what is is worth my clown has been stirring up a lot of sand lately. is there any way to keep the nitrates down

thabet_2 · 06/14/2008, 11:32 AM

my API is always reading high tried testing with other kits and all were 40-60 lower, I see allot in here about people reporting high nitrates with API without being able to find the root cause.
Stirring sand might cause this also.
I would double check using another kit before you start trouble shooting
Good luck

Slakker · 06/14/2008, 11:32 AM

20 gallon tank...eh...could be too much bioload. I would check results against another test kit just to be sure, maybe another reefer in the area has another brand of nitrate test kit you could reference against?

drakestraw · 06/14/2008, 11:40 AM

well i tested my water with my freshwater tests ( also does saltwater) and it came out fine. thanks for the suggestions and help. i had me scared for a minute

06/14/2008, 11:23 AM	#1
drakestraw Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dover, Tenessee Posts: 96	high nitrates I did a nitrate test today with the API test and the test came out at 40 to 80ppm what is weird is the fact that all my fish are doing fine with no signs of stress.even the anemone is doing well. i do 10% water changes once a week and use distilled water. i have a protien skimmer. i have one maroon clown one pygmy angel(new) and two chromises. could it be to big of a bioload or a faulty test and for what is is worth my clown has been stirring up a lot of sand lately. is there any way to keep the nitrates down __________________ "Time is what life is made of, so don't squander it." Current Tank Info: 20 gal 1 maroon clownfish, cleaner shrimp. 1 bicolor angel( but only until it grows to big, then i will sell it back to the lfs)

06/14/2008, 11:32 AM	#3
Slakker Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeastern Wisconsin Posts: 4,521	20 gallon tank...eh...could be too much bioload. I would check results against another test kit just to be sure, maybe another reefer in the area has another brand of nitrate test kit you could reference against? __________________ -Tyler Oceanic 58RR display/20H sump/fuge thread...follow the red house. Current Tank Info: Oceanic 58g, 20H sump, AquaC EV-150, 175w Hamilton 14k + 2x39w T5HO Actinics

06/14/2008, 11:40 AM	#4
drakestraw Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Dover, Tenessee Posts: 96	well i tested my water with my freshwater tests ( also does saltwater) and it came out fine. thanks for the suggestions and help. i had me scared for a minute __________________ "Time is what life is made of, so don't squander it." Current Tank Info: 20 gal 1 maroon clownfish, cleaner shrimp. 1 bicolor angel( but only until it grows to big, then i will sell it back to the lfs)

06/14/2008, 11:32 AM	#2
thabet_2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 62	my API is always reading high tried testing with other kits and all were 40-60 lower, I see allot in here about people reporting high nitrates with API without being able to find the root cause. Stirring sand might cause this also. I would double check using another kit before you start trouble shooting Good luck