Can't get Zero Nitrites

aiber · 07/26/2017, 07:27 PM

Well. I have had my tank for about 4 months and my nitrite level is at .05 using the Red Sea Kit. Even though it seems to me like my system is flourishing, I can never get 0 Nitrites.

I don't need to be scolded about never fully cycling my tank. I think that I did get a cycle. Regardless, is there anything that I can do to get 0 Nitrites?

Salt 1.026
Amm 0
Nitrite .05
Nitrate 20
Calcium 400

I use an ATS and Skimmer for filtration.

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Bpb · 07/26/2017, 08:22 PM

Why would you even want zero nitrates. That makes for a horribly unstable tank. 1-5 ppm is a fantastic range to be in to give you fast growth, excellent color, and still have some leniency on alkalinity levels. Running zero nitrate and phosphate makes a tank super reactive to small shifts in alkalinity and difficult to achieve and maintain rich coral colors.

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aiber · 07/26/2017, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bpb

Why would you even want zero nitrates. That makes for a horribly unstable tank. 1-5 ppm is a fantastic range to be in to give you fast growth, excellent color, and still have some leniency on alkalinity levels. Running zero nitrate and phosphate makes a tank super reactive to small shifts in alkalinity and difficult to achieve and maintain rich coral colors.

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Nitrite not Nitrate

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Alexraptor · 07/26/2017, 09:00 PM

With a persistent level that low I would actually suspect the test kit is funky. Try testing with another kit or even brand and see if you get the same result or not.

Bpb · 07/26/2017, 09:08 PM

My bad

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mcgyvr · 07/27/2017, 04:55 AM

yep... testing error.. (well in the margin of accuracy probably)..
Its zero..

No need to test for nitrites 4 months into a tank..
Put down the nitrite test kit and move on

No....no.. put it down... ..step away from the nitrite test kit..

ok.. good...

Enjoy..

ReefsandGeeks · 07/27/2017, 06:19 AM

+1, you're good to go at this point. Either your kit was off or your eyes need calibrated, but wither way, it's safe to assume at this point the level is 0

aiber · 07/27/2017, 06:21 AM

Ok. Thanks for the input. I will stop the Nitrite testing!

mcgyvr · 07/27/2017, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aiber

Ok. Thanks for the input. I will stop the Nitrite testing!

And just in case you can stop ammonia testing too if you want..
Unless something big dies or you are having trouble you can't pinpoint there is really no point in ammonia testing either.. It shouldn't ever be showing up positive anymore..

ajm83 · 07/27/2017, 06:50 AM

Also to put your mind at ease, nitrite seemingly isn't as toxic to creatures in saltwater as in fresh.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-06/rhf/index.php#7

07/26/2017, 07:27 PM	#1
aiber Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida Posts: 646	Can't get Zero Nitrites Well. I have had my tank for about 4 months and my nitrite level is at .05 using the Red Sea Kit. Even though it seems to me like my system is flourishing, I can never get 0 Nitrites. I don't need to be scolded about never fully cycling my tank. I think that I did get a cycle. Regardless, is there anything that I can do to get 0 Nitrites? Salt 1.026 Amm 0 Nitrite .05 Nitrate 20 Calcium 400 I use an ATS and Skimmer for filtration. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk __________________ Albert Current Tank Info: 50 Gall. Cube Reef Tank

07/27/2017, 04:55 AM	#6
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	yep... testing error.. (well in the margin of accuracy probably).. Its zero.. No need to test for nitrites 4 months into a tank.. Put down the nitrite test kit and move on No....no.. put it down... ..step away from the nitrite test kit.. ok.. good... Enjoy.. __________________ Who me?

07/27/2017, 06:21 AM	#8
aiber Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida Posts: 646	Ok. Thanks for the input. I will stop the Nitrite testing! __________________ Albert Current Tank Info: 50 Gall. Cube Reef Tank

07/26/2017, 08:22 PM	#2
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	Why would you even want zero nitrates. That makes for a horribly unstable tank. 1-5 ppm is a fantastic range to be in to give you fast growth, excellent color, and still have some leniency on alkalinity levels. Running zero nitrate and phosphate makes a tank super reactive to small shifts in alkalinity and difficult to achieve and maintain rich coral colors. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

07/26/2017, 09:00 PM	#4
Alexraptor Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Sweden Posts: 352	With a persistent level that low I would actually suspect the test kit is funky. Try testing with another kit or even brand and see if you get the same result or not.

07/26/2017, 09:08 PM	#5
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	My bad Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

07/27/2017, 06:19 AM	#7
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	+1, you're good to go at this point. Either your kit was off or your eyes need calibrated, but wither way, it's safe to assume at this point the level is 0

07/27/2017, 06:50 AM	#10
ajm83 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 76	Also to put your mind at ease, nitrite seemingly isn't as toxic to creatures in saltwater as in fresh. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-06/rhf/index.php#7