[King Triton]

I have recently been trying to help a good friend of mine who has had a 55 gal fish only running fo about 5 yrs he recently bought a few coarls to add and they made it a few days and died I think he bought either frog spawn or hammer coarl I didnt see it till it was dead any way he asked me to help I was told his tank always ran at 60 ppm nitrates so I said lets fix that.we did a few water changes and ppm's started reduceing.He was convinced so he bought his own ro filter continued with water changes and now nitrates are going up past where he stsrted now at about 70 ppm's I tested the water out of his ro and it reads zero ppm's I next suspected skimmer so checked that appares to be working although he says there isnt always foam.His filtration is only hang on back filters with bio beds I am wondering if nitrates couldnt be ,being released from there?Help if you can! I feel like I mislead my good friend although I know the ro is needed.He has live rock and power heads running.Should he ditch the hang on filters and add a sump wet/dry?I will be waiting for replyes

[leebca]

I'd like you to take some time and read this post: Nitrates - Origin & Controls

Although nitrates are not a problem for fish-only marine systems, it is nonetheless a big nuisance for reef systems. It can be controlled.

You've done well checking the source water. Now check the brand of salt being used. Mix up a fresh batch of the saltwater and test it for nitrates.

Next, if you read the above post, you'll see you have some investigations to do to determine where the nitrates are coming from.

Since nitrates are a natural part of the nitrogen cycle, you need to realize that the best reef systems don't have a lot of fish in them. Reducing the number and bio-load of the fish is one approach. This reduces the ammonia being produced from both the marine life and the foods added to the system.

The function of live rock is to help control nitrates. Old live rock or insufficient quantities of live rock will not keep up with a reasonable nitrate load. Not only this, but if water circulation isn't done properly, the live rock can't do its job at peak performance. It's a complex issue. This is another post you should read on this: What is Live Rock, Anyway?

Finally, keep in mind that nitrate test kits for saltwater sometimes don't measure nitrates in freshwater accurately. When you test your source water (fresh water) make sure you're using a kit that will give accurate results for nitrates in fresh water.

Once you've reviewed all those posts and have begun your investigation as to the source of the nitrates, then if you need further help at replacing equipment, alternate ways of doing things, etc., we can give recommendations. But you're the one that has to find where the nitrates are coming from. Make a list and go down that list. You should find more than one source on that list which are contributing to the nitrates. Some can be controlled, eliminated, or reduced, while others you have to manage by removing it.

Nitrates can't be eliminated from being produced as long as there are marine lifeforms that create ammonia wastes in the system, but they can be reduced and controlled and finally the bit that is left, can be exported.

Good luck!