High nitrates

[hammy]

Try changing water with DI and salt mix

[Soong Yu Juan]

Try changing water with DI and salt mix

yeah.. i got hell lot of problems from using seawater... go for distilled water + good quality salt.

[Ccccz]

Thanks guys for all the responses.

I will try to post pics if sump and dt.

I have narrowed down to the following after digesting all your valuable inputs.

- the LR may not be the cause as its been almost 2 months and coralline is growing.

- large die off is not likely, the last dead LS was like months ago. The body probably broken down now. NH4 and NO2 in good readings.

- I have rescape to allow better viewing and flow. No more walled city. LOL. Rescape was like after my 90% WC 2 weeks ago. So no chance of decomposing matter hidden in some spots.

- WC NSW tested high. So naturally, change how much water also high. But disclaimer here, it could be just that batch. I purchase more NSW and the test readings are pretty low. It's possible it's inconsistent due to multiple reasons. I'm not putting down NSW, in fact I am a supporter but the intent of the whole episode is I want to reduce no3, it's not meant as a NSW VS di saltmix stance.

Currently, I put chaeto in my DSB refugium. I have dump some excess LR in it too. I have seachem denitrate in the compartment housing the skimmer. Low flow here.

I started using AZ-NO3.

In day 5 now, have not test and water not cloudy and skimmer not skimming any hugh amount of gunk as expected.

Will do the next change with DI + saltmix and monitor.

Will update all with the results.

[Underwater]

It could really be the bad NSW batch that you bought then. Did you buy from the pre-packed bags?

[lazydevil]

I used to have a pretty high nitrate problem(same problem with yours). My problem is partially solved from the birth of bio pellets and bio sphere . With the combination of 2 and regular change of filter wool .... + cleaning of other SOP stuff , you might see a drop in nitrate. And even if you rescape did you check your sandbed? anyway a drastic water change might not always be advisable. Another way is to introduce clams if you have suitable lighting.

[sherman]

So you did not check the NSW for NO3 and PO4 before you top up into your tank.

This is very risky.

I learn my lesson. Even with DI water, I check and make sure NO3 and PO4 are near to zero

before using them.

Use to have this high NO3 problem that almost wipe out my whole tank last year

[Martian]

So you did not check the NSW for NO3 and PO4 before you top up into your tank. This is very risky. I learn my lesson. Even with DI water, I check and make sure NO3 and PO4 are near to zero before using them. Use to have this high NO3 problem that almost wipe out my whole tank last year

Did you mean purchased NSW also have high NO3 or PO4? Can return to LFS if that's the case?