Ohh nitrates...

I would double, triple check your test. I had a lfs store do a water test for me and my trates came back so high it made me wonder how anything was alive. I cam home and did the same test with much different results. Come to find out the guy used a dirty test tube.

 

Ive had them that high sucks. Water change big time and make sure skimmer is working.

 

Water changes are never fun /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/sad.gif But boy do they help!

 

So your test showed up differently after you shook the second bottle?!?

*** This should be a note for everyone that uses the API Nitrate test kit. You've got to shake the second reagent bottle thoroughly for 30 seconds or so. Otherwise your not getting an accurate test.

 

If you have any filter socks or pre-filter sponges, make sure to clean them well too. I've noticed a drop after cleaning mine when they were very dirty.......if you have any scavengers, they will quickly devour the fish carcasses (bristle worms, hermit crabs, starfish, some snails), doesn't take them long at all, so I wouldn't worry too much, especially since the fish were pretty small.

 

I use vodka, and then install the to fish reactor, I use that doctor Tim's NPX balls works great, I've been running it for about 2 months my nitrate 0

 

also did water change once a week

 

Chemi pure works great too along with water one large water change. Then follow up with small ones.

 

SERIOUSLY! This is imparative advice!

Water changes are totally fun! lol

 

So fun! I did 2 today just because..../DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/tongue.gif

 

no change? have you tested your source water? your not using water from petland are you? I don't think anybody has taken care of that reservoir or ro system since I left. Elliot?

 

I am not surprised there was no change honestly. You have around 200gals total water correct? I would say if your test are coming back that high you are looking at a 25-30 Water change before you see some results.

 

there is some product called phosphate lock and nitrate lock you could try, also like I said before I bought a 2 fish reactor I think It made quite a difference,,, not throw salt in the wound but just remember water changes don't fix the problem they just delude it , I know from experience went through 200 gallons worth the salt in 1 month on my 75 , I did water changes every other day ,
about 15 gallons always seem to delude and make it good but by the next day fruit punch red , I installed the reactor, and fossil lock , about a week later 0 nitrates , I wouldn't call it magic but it did the trick for me

 

I am surprised your not seeing a difference. If your nitrates are at 80ppm, and you did a 30 gallon water change on a 200 gallon system then you should see a reduction of close to 10ppm. Unless your test kit is not that sensitive? What is your dkh btw? Are you using a buffer or a two part liquid dosing system? Low buffering capacity can cause violent nightly swings in pH and kill off huge swaths of bacterial colonies leading to sudden and intense nitrate buildup (not to mention stress on fish).