algae and nitrite issues

[Flowix]

Hi,

We've been having issues with our Nitrite levels for a while now. We're using RO water, and our mate Mike (cheers Mike, if you're reading this) assures us the membrane is regularly cleaned. We've been doing water changes, but that hasn't helped. Recently, our sand and rocks started turning orange, and now they're a dark rust colour. When you touch them, they turn to powder. Our snails got killed off by the crabs (bless 'em), so we know we need some new snails ASAP. But is there anything else we can do? I'm just the researcher, my partner's the one who looks after the tank. We've got 3 small fish (a humbug and 2 blue damsels), 2 crabs (red legged and blue legged), and a shrimp, and they all seem fine. Any advice would be great, as our LFS is closed for a few days, and my partner's been too busy to get to the Fish Suppliers.

Thanks,
Flowix.

[zeno9]

Hi Flowix,

Just to clarify, are you dealing with Nitrite or Nitrate issues - or is it a mix of both?

Your tank's age and how long it's been established could be relevant here, so how old is it? Size-wise, what's the tank's volume? And how much live rock do you have in there?

[Flowix]

We've used a Tetra test kit for NO2 - Nitrite and it's coming up bright red, which I'm pretty sure isn't what we want. I think it's supposed to turn yellow or orange for a healthy tank, but I'm not 100% sure as my partner's at work and I haven't been able to confirm with him.

Our tank's only a month old, it's a 190L one and it feels like it's been a lot longer than that, if I'm honest. When we set it up, we made sure to wait until all the tests, like pH and the rest, were reading as they should be.

We didn't add any live rock to the tank, mainly because we had a problem with Aiptasia in our previous one and my partner thought we'd try it without this time. Do you think that could be part of our problem - not having any live rock?

[lyrano]

Live rock is a key component in a marine setup, so its absence is quite notable. What other filtration methods are you using to support your tank?

[Flowix]

We've got the standard filter set that came with the Trigon 190 - 600 l/h and also a Fluval 304. Currently looking to get a skimmer, been told it's a must-have, but I was wondering if there's anything else you'd recommend we get?

[zeno9]

Hi Flowix,

I think it'd be worth investing in ammonia and nitrate testing kits to get a better idea of what's going on in your tank. If your nitrite levels are really high, it's likely that your ammonia levels are too. Given that your tank is still only a month old, it's probably still in the process of cycling, with the bacteria colonising the filter media. The addition of fish and other livestock is likely putting a lot of strain on the bioload. I'd recommend doing a large water change to try and bring those nitrite levels down. A skimmer will definitely help with the dissolved organic waste in the water. And, as others have mentioned, live rock would be a good investment too - it might be pricey, but it could make a big difference.

[dune9x]

Hi,

We've been having issues with our Nitrite levels for a while now. We're using RO water, and our mate Mike (cheers Mike, if you're reading this) assures us the membrane is regularly cleaned. We've been doing water changes, but that hasn't helped. Recently, our sand and rocks started turning orange, and now they're a dark rust colour. When you touch them, they turn to powder. Our snails got killed off by the crabs (bless 'em), so we know we need some new snails ASAP. But is there anything else we can do? I'm just the researcher, my partner's the one who looks after the tank. We've got 3 small fish (a humbug and 2 blue damsels), 2 crabs (red legged and blue legged), and a shrimp, and they all seem fine. Any advice would be great, as our LFS is closed for a few days, and my partner's been too busy to get to the Fish Suppliers.

Thanks,
Flowix.

I'm with zeno9 on this one. You're right, live rock is a must-have for a marine setup, it's like the backbone of the whole system. I'm surprised your partner decided to go without it after the Aiptasia issue last time.

As for filtration, the Trigon 190 and Fluval 304 are a good combo, but like zeno9 said, you need to get those ammonia and nitrate testing kits to get a better picture of what's going on. And yeah, a skimmer is a good idea, it'll help with the waste buildup. But honestly, I think you need to address the bioload issue first, do a big water change and see if that helps bring the nitrite levels down.

[Flowix]

Thanks for all the help, really appreciate it. Will have to get my partner on the hunt for a skimmer and some live rock as soon as possible.

[Brysen]

Live rock is a key component in a marine setup, so its absence is quite notable. What other filtration methods are you using to support your tank?

A tank can be run just fine without live rock - I've seen it done. Fish-only tanks, they just use a large filter to keep up with the bioload.

[fluxe]

Have you tested the water you're using for changes for high nitrates, just to rule that out?