Test after the fallout

[pewter_jean]

I just finished doing the test on the tank. I may not have fared to well.
The test were done at 11:30 this morning.
Temp 79.2
Salinity - 1.025
Calcuim - 470
KH/ALK - 7.4/2.63
Nitrate - Salifert test 50 plus, aquarium Pharm 80. So either way bad
Nitrite - zero
Amonia - .50
PH - 7.8

I know I need to do a water change. But it is going to take two days to make enough up to do a water change. Well enough to put a dent in those nitrates.

 

[zt444a]

Try some Prime to lower the ammonia right away...

 

[pewter_jean]

I thought we weren't suppose to add stuff to the tank that we couldn't test for.
I do have some, no telling how old it is, probly a few years old.
How much would you figure for a 180 with a 75 gal sump.
Any ideal what could have caused these high levels? From what I can tell all are present and acounted for. But I really can't count snails. Could my Bio load be dying off. Could I be crashing?

 

[zt444a]

Prime is beneficial for the most part. I'd do about 2 capfuls per 50gals. I believe that is what the instructions recommend...

 

[pewter_jean]

I will see if I have enough for about 10 capfuls. Maybe I should just do 9.

 

[sirreal63]

Prime will render the ammonia non-toxic as it binds it, and the directions are 1 cap for 50 gallons.

 

[zt444a]

It also says in an emergency you can add straight to sump/tank...

 

[pewter_jean]

Ok, there is enough for 4 1/2 capfuls, I have it in the little dixie cup. Waiting to be sure I should put it in. Once in, I can't take it out. Is the 4 1/2 enough for my tank? Should I go a little more?

 

[sirreal63]

Go for it, it won't do any harm, into the sump already. lol

 

[zt444a]

Absolutely... couldn't hurt...

 

[zt444a]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8685167#post8685167 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sirreal63
Prime will render the ammonia non-toxic as it binds it, and the directions are 1 cap for 50 gallons.

DIRECTIONS: Use 1 capful (5 mL) for each 200 L (50 gallons*) of new water. For smaller doses, please note each cap thread is approx. 1 mL). This dose removes approximately 0.6 mg/L ammonia, 3 mg/L chloramine, or 4 mg/L chlorine. May be added to aquarium directly, but better if added to new water first. If adding directly to aquarium, base dose on aquarium volume. Sulfur odor is normal. For exceptionally high chloramine concentrations, a double dose may be used safely. To detoxify nitrite in an emergency, up to 5 times normal dose may be used. If temperature is > 30 °C (86 °F) and chlorine or ammonia levels are low, use a half dose.


So there ...:lol:

 

[pewter_jean]

Should I turn off my skimmer, or wont it go crazy? It's in there.

 

[zt444a]

Clean skimmer well, leave it off for a bit , then run the hell out of it I'd say...

 

[pewter_jean]

So the Prime is in, the skimmer is off. The RO/DI is running to fill up the brut. Might be full be tonight, then I can add the salt and should be able to do water change on Thurs. If all goes well. I will turn on the skimmer tonight.
Question is still, what could have died in my tank to cause the amonia spike. All fish are fine, the shrimp and brittle star are good, I seen them moving around this morning. The snails seemed fine, so I am worried that it may be my bio. If it is that, is my tank heading for a crash?

 

[sirreal63]

Tank is not heading for a crash and it could have been anything, even a false reading. Is this an Aquarium Pharm ammonia test kit? If so toss it, they are junk, I get more false readings from them than any other test. Salifert only for me, I have learned my lesson.

 

[pewter_jean]

Yes the amonia test was AP.
Well now you know what to get me for Christmas.

 

[zt444a]

And Prime says it will not cause your skimmer to go crazy... clean the cup and run that thing...

 

[medic29]

I would take a step back and relax first. You don't have that much ammonia in there. The cause could be many causes, even just some stress the tank has just gone through. Give the prime like others have suggested, do a large water change (20%) or so, if you need to go buy some water at Wal-Mart etc. you can get enough from there or even used treated tap water (can be used in an emergency). I would bet your tank is going to be just fine. First and foremost you need to relax and do what you can. But again, your levels are not that high to cause a panic.