The Official Asylum Reef Tank Thread

Ammonia 0.5
Nitrites 5
Nitrates 20
pH 8.4
Salinity 1.021


Water change?

[fissure]

Those nitrates aren't super high. I know of people who have run reef tanks with nitrates in the 60's. While not ideal, it can be done. You'll get both sides on water changes during the cycle. I wouldn't, let the cycle fully complete. If nitrates jump into the 40's then do water changes. Also, if you are going to raise the salinity now is the time to do it. That way there won't be any corals in there if you are making swings.

Originally Posted by fissure

Those nitrates aren't super high. I know of people who have run reef tanks with nitrates in the 60's. While not ideal, it can be done. You'll get both sides on water changes during the cycle. I wouldn't, let the cycle fully complete. If nitrates jump into the 40's then do water changes. Also, if you are going to raise the salinity now is the time to do it. That way there won't be any corals in there if you are making swings.

got ya, this is still the cure tank, was waiting on levels. I am raising the salinity right now.

Originally Posted by darb85

Ammonia 0.5
Nitrites 5
Nitrates 20
pH 8.4
Salinity 1.021


Water change?

I guess I'm used to seeing undetectable. These numbers look off the chart to me. Probably good, though, for a curing tank. I would freak out if I saw any nitrite or ammonia in my tanks.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by BC-Axeman

I guess I'm used to seeing undetectable. These numbers look off the chart to me. Probably good, though, for a curing tank. I would freak out if I saw any nitrite or ammonia in my tanks.

Everything is going to be way off in that curing tank.
Evidence of that is the Amonia and Nitrites both showing significant numbers.
You should see Amonia spike, then go down as Nitrites spike, then go down as Nitrates build.
Once established, I always say to throw the kits away as they will just serve to drive you nuts.
I always told my customers to disregard readings after that and only concern themselves with Nitrates, which can be addressed via a good denitrator or best yet with regular water changes.