NO3 problem :/

[VelvetAirwaves]

Hi guys, recently have had an interesting problem that has not happened to me before, hopefully some of the water chemistry gurus can help me solve this mystery.

Scenario is as such. After cycling my tank, NO3 was negligible, however, over the course of the week, my no3 has shot up to about 100 odd ppm. Thankfully, I dont have corals in my tank, and everything is doing fime and showing no signs of stress.

However, I have done probably 5 water changes of 50% of my total tank volume over the week, but the NO3 JUST DOES NOT GO DOWN, but remains at the 100ppm mark. Everything is in check and I use oceanic salt mix for my water changes, with DI water.

Checks have been done on the new salt water that I made, to make sure it wasnt that the test kit was faulty.

I have identified that the problem could be because the LR used was from a previously decommed tank. I have also checked to make sure nothing is dead or dying.

I just did 3 water changes today and ramped up my weekly bacteria dose in a futile attempt to try fight this seemingly losing battle.

Anyone with any form of advice is greatly appreciated

[hammy]

What testkit are u using? What is the % of water u change?

[VelvetAirwaves]

Hi there, im using api test kits, been using them simce year 0.

I changed 50% each time during this period.

[diki88]

Since u already did a control test with a fresh batch of water, I dont think ur test kit is the issue although getting a more sensitive one like salifert would not hurt at all, except making a small hole in your pocket.

That said, I dont think its ur LR either. If it was, the nitrate would show earlier.

Qtn 1 : how long did u cycle?

Qtn 2 : did u test for ammonia n nitrite when u tested for no3 which turned out to be negligible?

Imo, whenu tested for no3, ur nh4 and no2 was in its spiking phase.

My 2 cents is that ur tank is just completing its cycle with the nitrate spike. Some cycle take almost no time, some abit longer than usual. So just wait it out abit more, no need waste money to keep changing water. Ur tank ill stabilise soon enough.

[VelvetAirwaves]

Hi there, I would agree with you that that might be the cause. Regarding whether I did test for ammonia and nitrite, yes I did ,also for n03 at the end of the cycle. All tested 0 before I added life stock. I have a hunch my rocks are the ones giving me the problems.

[kraken]

did u lose any of your live stock? could be the reason

[VelvetAirwaves]

No leh, everything still happy and swimming around

[VelvetAirwaves]

Since u already did a control test with a fresh batch of water, I dont think ur test kit is the issue although getting a more sensitive one like salifert would not hurt at all, except making a small hole in your pocket.

That said, I dont think its ur LR either. If it was, the nitrate would show earlier.

Qtn 1 : how long did u cycle?

Qtn 2 : did u test for ammonia n nitrite when u tested for no3 which turned out to be negligible?

Imo, whenu tested for no3, ur nh4 and no2 was in its spiking phase.

My 2 cents is that ur tank is just completing its cycle with the nitrate spike. Some cycle take almost no time, some abit longer than usual. So just wait it out abit more, no need waste money to keep changing water. Ur tank ill stabilise soon enough.

Seems like you were right bro, after a few weeks, my no3 is now 0ppm ^^