Nitrite/algae Problem!

[Kerri]

Hello,

We have been having problems with our Nitrite levels for the past few weeks. RO water only is being used and have been assured that the membrane is cleaned regularly (we get it from a friend, thanks Mike if you are reading this, hee hee). We have been carrying out water changes and this is still not helping. Three days ago we noticed that the sand and rocks were turning a slight orange colour, it has now turned a dark rust colour and turns to a powder consistency when you touch it. Our snails have recently been killed off by our crabs, bless em, so we know we need to get some urgently but is there anything else we could do? I keep saying 'we' but what i really mean is 'my better half'. I just look at the tank and look for information for him when he has problems, that's the only involvement i am trusted with!! We only have 3 small fish (1 humbug & 2 blue damsels), 2 crabs (1 x red legged and 1 x blue legged) and dear old shrimpy and they all seem fine. Any help would be greatly appreciated as our LFS is now closed for the next few days and unfortunately my partner works shifts and has been unable to get into the Fish Suppliers to ask for help.

Thanks,
Kerri.

 

[AK77]

Hi Kerri,

Is it Nitrite or Nitrate problems you are having?
How old is the tank/how long has it been established?
How big is the tank?
How much live rock is in it?

 

[Kerri]

Have used a Tetra test for NO2 - Nitrite kit and this is coming up bright red, i believe it should turn yellow/orange for a healthy tank (partner at work so cannot confirm)

Tank is 190L only 1 month old (feels like longer) and when we set it up we waited until all tests PH, etc. were as they should be.

We don't have any live rock in the tank as when we had our previous tank we had a problem with Aitipsia and my partner thought we would try it without this time, do you think this could be one of our problems - no live rock??

Thanks for replying by the way.

 

[norite]

Um....live rock is regarded as a pretty fundamental part of a marine setup. What other filtration are you using?

 

[Kerri]

We have the filter set which came with the tank (Trigon 190 - filter set 600 l/h) and also a Fluval 304. We are currently looking to purchase a skimmer - which we have been told we will need is there anything else you would recommend?

Kerri.

 

[AK77]

Hi Kerri,

I'd suggest getting ammonia and nitrate testing kits as well. If your nitrite is very high, then its possible that the ammonia is too. As the tank has only been up a month, there is still a good possibility that tank is still cycling and the bacteria colonising the filter media. With the addition of the fish and other livestock, it sounds like there is too much strain on the bioload. I'd recommend doing a large water change to help reduce the nitrite levels. A skimmer will help with some of the dissolved organic waste in the water. Live rock, although pricey, would be a good investment too.

 

[STD]

Hi Kerri,

I'd suggest getting ammonia and nitrate testing kits as well. If your nitrite is very high, then its possible that the ammonia is too. As the tank has only been up a month, there is still a good possibility that tank is still cycling and the bacteria colonising the filter media. With the addition of the fish and other livestock, it sounds like there is too much strain on the bioload. I'd recommend doing a large water change to help reduce the nitrite levels. A skimmer will help with some of the dissolved organic waste in the water. Live rock, although pricey, would be a good investment too.

Yup I agree

 

[Kerri]

Hi there,

Thanks for the advice. Will have to start looking for skimmer and rock asap!

Kerri.

 

[Danno]

Um....live rock is regarded as a pretty fundamental part of a marine setup. What other filtration are you using?

A tank can be run just fine without live rock. Fish only tanks just use a large filter to keep up with the bio load.

 

[drag]

have you tested the water you are doing the changes with for high nitrates?

 

[Kerri]

The only test kit we have is the Tetra test for NO2 - Nitrite kit and PH paper. LFS told us that would be all we needed really. PH is as it should be and we have tested the water that we have been using for changes and that is fine. We are going to do a large water change hopefully tomorrow, LFS not open til Wednesday so will pop in and get Nitrate and Ammonia Test kits then. Looking for skimmer and live rock tonight, we did purchase a skimmer a few weeks ago but had to send it back as it was far too noisy/powerful for us.

Kerri.

 

[AK77]

While you're there, get a PH testing kit. Those paper strips are about as accurate as Stevie Wonder in a long range archery contest!!

 

[kkyyllee]

make sure the rock is cured and its not out of the water fr more than a few seconds

 

[Kerri]

Thanks for the advice everyone. We tested for everything in the end and all was fine apart from the Nitrite levels still. Over the last two days everything has died Totally gutted so we are going to try and start again and make sure we do everything to the letter!!

Hope to speak to you all again in happier circumstances next time.

Kerri.

 

[STD]

Thanks for the advice everyone. We tested for everything in the end and all was fine apart from the Nitrite levels still. Over the last two days everything has died Totally gutted so we are going to try and start again and make sure we do everything to the letter!!

Hope to speak to you all again in happier circumstances next time.

Kerri.

Sorry to hear about your wipeout