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nitrate spikes in coral tank issues
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 3:43 pm
by flambo0
My nitrate levels shot up to 40 ppm overnight in my 75-gallon mixed reef. Running a Red Sea Reefer with two AI Hydra 32s, weekly 10% water changes, and a Reef Octopus skimmer. Corals look stressed, especially the Acropora. Any ideas what's causing this?
Re: nitrate spikes in coral tank issues
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 4:34 pm
by buzznut
Yo, that's sketchy. Did you check your RODI water? Sometimes the filters go bad and dump nitrates. Also, how old's your live rock? Old rock can leach nasties.
Re: nitrate spikes in coral tank issues
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 4:41 pm
by flinta
Overfeeding's a common culprit. What's your feeding routine like? I had a similar issue when I was dumping too much Reef Roids into my 60-gallon.
Re: nitrate spikes in coral tank issues
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 5:57 pm
by skylark
flambo0 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 30, 2025 3:43 pm
My nitrate levels shot up to 40 ppm overnight in my 75-gallon mixed reef. Running a Red Sea Reefer with two AI Hydra 32s, weekly 10% water changes, and a Reef Octopus skimmer. Corals look stressed, especially the Acropora. Any ideas what's causing this?
Have you tested your source water? Sometimes municipal supplies spike nitrates seasonally. Also, check your skimmer's cup—if it's full, it might not be pulling waste efficiently.
Re: nitrate spikes in coral tank issues
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 7:21 pm
by novafx
I'd double-check your bio-load. How many fish are in there? Tangs and anthias are nitrate factories if you're overstocked.
Re: nitrate spikes in coral tank issues
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 8:08 pm
by flambo0
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll test my RODI and cut back feeding. Didn't think about the skimmer cup—it's pretty full.
Re: nitrate spikes in coral tank issues
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 8:44 pm
by dawnlite9
If it's a sudden spike, consider a water change with fresh salt mix. I use Tropic Marin Pro and it's kept my nitrates stable in my 120-gallon.
Re: nitrate spikes in coral tank issues
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 9:31 pm
by haven_9
buzznut wrote: ↑Wed Apr 30, 2025 4:34 pm
Yo, that's sketchy. Did you check your RODI water? Sometimes the filters go bad and dump nitrates. Also, how old's your live rock? Old rock can leach nasties.
For real, man. My RODI unit was the culprit last year. Swapped the DI resin and it fixed everything.
Re: nitrate spikes in coral tank issues
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 9:50 pm
by Slice
Test phosphate levels. High phosphates can mask nitrate issues by inhibiting coral uptake. Use a Hanna checker for accuracy.
Re: nitrate spikes in coral tank issues
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 11:16 pm
by Fluxcore
Dude, your skimmer might need a tune-up. My Reef Octopus was acting up last month and nitrates crept up. Cleaned the venturi and it's back to pulling gunk like a champ.