algae and nitrite issues

[Flowix]

We only have the Tetra test for NO2 - Nitrite kit and PH paper, the LFS said that's all we'd need, and to be fair our PH is spot on. We've checked the water we've been using for changes and that's fine too. We're planning a big water change for tomorrow, then we'll pop into the LFS on Wednesday to pick up Nitrate and Ammonia Test kits. Tonight, we're on the hunt for a skimmer and some live rock - we did buy a skimmer a few weeks ago, but had to send it back, it was way too loud and powerful for us.

[zeno9]

While you're at it, pick up a proper PH testing kit - those paper strips aren't exactly the most reliable, if you know what I mean.

[floralix]

Make sure the live rock is properly cured before adding it to your tank, and try to minimize the time it spends out of the water - a few seconds at most should do it.

[Flowix]

Thanks for the advice everyone, really appreciate it. We got all the test kits in the end and tested for everything - all was fine apart from those pesky Nitrite levels still. The last two days have been a disaster, everything's died and we're totally gutted. We're going to take a deep breath, start again and do everything by the book this time.

Hope to catch you all again soon, under better circumstances, of course.

[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.

Gutted to hear about the wipeout.