HELP!! PH, Nitrate blast off

[austin552]

Not sure what is going on. In the last two weeks: I added 10lbls LS and a skimmer. All was pretty good. Did a 10% RO water change and added two more fish. Now PH 8.4, Nitrates 40. Amonia and Nitrites are good. Doing another 10% RO water change today. The only thing I can figure is that I turned off the airator on the Wet/dry because of some micro bubbles I am getting from the skimmer

 

[bertoni]

A pH of 8.4 is fine, so I wouldn't worry about that. Adding two fish to a 29g might well spike the nitrate level. What is the alkalinity level in the tank?

 

[reefnetworth]

how old is the set-up? if you just added 10 lbs. has it cycled? live sand can cycle also. good needs to be none on nitrites, ammonia should be barely detectable. fish can survive in nitrates, and small amounts of ammonia, but they need to be lowered via water change of at least 30%. IME this will help alot. research, patience, time... good luck & REEF ON!!!

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

i have recently found out that if your water contains clorimines (sp.) that will also cause your nitrates to rise so you have to make sure to get a filter to get rid of them. most new rodi systems come with the xtra filter.