nitrite level high

[susiQ]

Trying so hard to figure out the chemistry of this hobby. I am in the process of cycling my tank with cured rock....and substrate......changed 10% of the water after one week from the setup date...nitrite level was high, nitrate level was about 10ppm...is that too high.?..could not tell exactly what my akaline level was by the tape...actually did not look too good....help.... tank set up January 1/29/06

 

[reefer1187]

your tank is still in its cycling process you have about another good 4-5 months before all of your water parameters "stabilizes"

 

[bertoni]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

That article is a good primer on water parameters, IMO. So far, your description just sounds like a tank still waiting for the live rock to be cleaned up. You could do some water changes and wait for a while. In the mean time, I think getting an alkalinity test kit that returns a number would be a good investment.

 

[Paintbug]

one week from setup date would be tomorrow . anyway what was your ammonia levels? your tank is still in the cycle stages for sure. it can take several weeks for it for complete the cycle. the number 1 rule with saltwater tanks is PATIENTS!!!! the only thing that happens fast are bad things!

 

[mg426]

Slow down some. these things take time and a fair amount of patience.You have several weeks to go before you are ready for any fish.

 

[markandkristen]

thats why i like buying used tanks. basically mine was back up and running with somewhat stability in 48 hours. and i paid a 4th of what some have paid on here for a setup