Russian123
Member
Well after a 30% water change my nitrate levels still are at a high 15 ppm are beggining to make me a little nervous here. Is there any way other than water changes to get this down asap.
nitrates still up
- Thread starter Russian123
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BurntOutReefer
New member
1) Whats your filter system
2) Whats your Bioload
3) Whats the size of your tank (2.5g per you sig?)
2) Whats your Bioload
3) Whats the size of your tank (2.5g per you sig?)
Russian123
Member
10 gallon in tank pump
1 very small damsel ( going to exchange once it gets too big)
and yes 2.5
1 very small damsel ( going to exchange once it gets too big)
and yes 2.5
theop
Active member
From your brief description, it doesn't sound like you have any way to break down nitrates. I'm not sure what a "10 gallon in tank pump" is, but I will guess it is a small internal filter. That is fine for mechanical filtration, but will likely contribute to your nitrates as it traps detritus and organic matter. You'd be better off with a small hang-on powerfilter because it will be easier to rinse off the floss/cartridge every day or so.
The easiest way to "fix" your problem is to get a couple of pounds of mature live rock. This will take care of your bio-filtration needs including breaking down nitrates. Since your tank is so small, you could do more frequent water changes. Also, even one medium-sizes damsel is going to push it for bioload in your tank. You'd be better off with one really small fish (like a small goby) if you're going to have any fish at all.
The easiest way to "fix" your problem is to get a couple of pounds of mature live rock. This will take care of your bio-filtration needs including breaking down nitrates. Since your tank is so small, you could do more frequent water changes. Also, even one medium-sizes damsel is going to push it for bioload in your tank. You'd be better off with one really small fish (like a small goby) if you're going to have any fish at all.
SumoBlenny
New member
Live rock will help as would adding a small amount of macro algea. Theop made good suggestions. Keep your bio load low and clean your mechanical filters often.
theop
Active member
Thanks for the vote of confidence. 
I forgot to mention that a LFS in my area has a beautiful 2.5gal reef tank by their register. It has a PC light and a small HOB filter. I don't think there are any fish in it, but I have seen a couple of sexy shrimp. The effects of water evaporation on the salinity would be my biggest fear with a tank that small.
I forgot to mention that a LFS in my area has a beautiful 2.5gal reef tank by their register. It has a PC light and a small HOB filter. I don't think there are any fish in it, but I have seen a couple of sexy shrimp. The effects of water evaporation on the salinity would be my biggest fear with a tank that small.
Russian123
Member
Well thanks for the replies I was just going to add on that if I were to put a cleaning crew in would this end up being a mistake becuase of such a small tank. I already do water changes very carefull with Salinity. Watch it daily really just wondering
Russian123
Member
by cleaning crew i mean like one cleaning shrimp
BurntOutReefer
New member
I'd get at least two small snails and maybe 1~2 hermits....the shrimp isnt going to like eating algea......
