Water conditions

[Kgoarmy17]

I cannot seem to get my water quality to get back to where it needs to be. I have had the tank for almost a year and it was fine for a while...now the pH is never stable and the nitrate is high. I do water changes and add the pH stabilizers.... what am I doing wrong?

HELP!!

Katy

 

[wazo90925]

tell us about youre tank. you cant get any help if we dont know what your looking at.

 

[graveyardworm]

First you need to quit adding PH stabilizers they tend to do more harm than good. Can you provide more water parameters? Specifically Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium.

 

[Kgoarmy17]

I love our tank, this is just frustrating.
These are the levels right now:

Ammonia is at 0
Nitrite is at 0
Salinity is at 1.025
pH has been swinging but is finally at the desired level.
Nitrate is at 20
Temp is between 76 and 80

10% water change bi-weekly

I have had a couple of emerald crabs die and I removed those before ammonia was effected.

I started to have a green algae bloom also.

I need all the help I can get, thanks!

Katy

 

[bertoni]

Also, what is the pH and how are you measuring it?

 

[Kgoarmy17]

I measure the pH using one of those liquid testers that came with the kit.

I don't have a calcium or magnesium test kit.

 

[graveyardworm]

Having your Alk, Ca , and MG in line will go along way towards stabilizing PH. What brand PH test kit.

 

[Kgoarmy17]

It is a saltwater master..

I will pick the other tests up tomorrow thanks!

 

[PatMayo]

I have used many different types of test kits and have always had the best result with the Salifert kits.

I think the ph is best tested with an electronic monitoring device.

You may not be having as much troulble as you think.

A 4 degree temp swing probably is not the best for your critters. I would try to limit that to 2 degrees.

Regards,

Pat

 

[marilynrn711]

Any problems with the critters in your tank other than the emeral crab.

Any corals in your tank? Whats the bio-load to cause nitrates to be 20? Skimmer? Flow? Tank size? Sand bed?

We need much more info to help.

 

[Kgoarmy17]

I have a 24 JBJ nano. I just replaced the lights a few weeks ago. I have about a 4" DSB. I have different kinds of snails: turbos, and nerites. There is about 30 lbs of LR also.

I have a few zoo colonies and some leathers. I also have a clown and a six line.

I added an additional powerhead. I do not have a skimmer yet but I am looking to get a fission skimmer.

Sorry for the vague explanation. But thanks for all the replies.

Katy