Nitrates 4 PPM!

[Sgt Jonny Cat]

So I finally got a red sea nitrate/phosphate test kit and my nitrates are 4 PPM! and my phosphate is 0.008. I know the nitrates are high, but is this reading for phosphates high? My tank is fallow now due to ick. I only have snails, and a red fire shrimp in there. I have been feeding him small amount of pellet food every day. Should I cut the food? I'll be doing a water change today to lower the nitrates. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[nmotz]

So I finally got a red sea nitrate/phosphate test kit and my nitrates are 4 PPM! and my phosphate is 0.008. I know the nitrates are high, but is this reading for phosphates high? My tank is fallow now due to ick. I only have snails, and a red fire shrimp in there. I have been feeding him small amount of pellet food every day. Should I cut the food? I'll be doing a water change today to lower the nitrates. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Are you growing plenty of macroalgae in that sump? If not, that's where I would start. You can just buy a clip-on light and throw in a handful of chaeto and that sucker will grow like crazy and suck up phosphorus and nitrates.

I've also read about vinegar dosing having a positive effect on a high nitrate problem but I'm only a newbie myself so I'll let the experts comment on that.

 

[Sgt Jonny Cat]

I have a small ball of chaeto in there for a little over a month but it doesn't seem to be doing much growing....I have the light on 24/7 and it just doesn't look all that healthy...

 

[nmotz]

Hmm...I'm not sure the 24/7 lighting is good for it. Also maybe increase your flow in the sump? If your chaeto isn't growing when your nitrates are 4 ppm then something certainly is awry. You could just do a simple 18/6 lighting scheme on that sump maybe? Get another powerhead?

 

[DDon]

4 ppm nitrates isn't really that high and I would consider your phosphate levels pretty low.
Are you having algae issues? What corals are in the tank?

 

[Sgt Jonny Cat]

So I don't have corals now...waiting for water to be perfect. I have a lot of algae in the sump but not in the display tank. I'm going to try 18/6 lighting and see how it works...

 

[Deinonych]

4 ppm nitrates isn't really that high and I would consider your phosphate levels pretty low.
Are you having algae issues? What corals are in the tank?

+1

4ppm NO3 is not a big deal. You can carbon dose if you want to get them down further, but it's probably not necessary. Same goes with PO4 - if you aren't having algae issues, then it's not cause for worry.

 

[PaleHorse]

4ppm is not bad.

YOu have a tank pic OP?

 

[mcgyvr]

yep.. all fine.. Heck I had corals growing in 100ppm+.. but just Blue Anthelia (weeds) and mushrooms though
and you have algae in your sump because you run the light 24/7.. You really only need 12 hrs but up to 18 is fine..
Some time it for opposite of display tank lights to have the least effect on PH.

 

[kentwo]

I wish I could get 4 ppm. Mine is continually at 10-20. Without vodka dosing.