[LGR]

Hi, new to the site...Got a question.

I'm in the process of cycling a 45 gallon tank with 60 pounds or so of live rock(still curing). Everything was going as planned, ammonia was high then started to drop and nitrites picked up along with nitrates...But then all of a sudden I get a high chlorine reading. When I do my weekly water change I add a dechlorinator before I pour the water in...i'm baffled.

Is this normal part of curing the rocks that instructions and websites forgot to mention?

Any help or advise would be great.
Thanks, Evan

[kosys]

Hi Evan: I'm not to sure how well dechlorinators work. But to solve your prob you should use RO/DI water. the only place the chlorine can come from is the tap water you are using. switch to RO water and your prob. will no longer be a prob. I'm not sure how chlorine affects the curing process but I'm sure it's not good.

best regards ken

[LGR]

I ordered Aquarium Water Quality: Tap Water Filter the other day should be here in a few days. Would this solve my problem? a nice RO set up would hurt my pocket that and I don't have a good spot for it

But the thing is when I set up the tank and water there was no cholrine at all comming up, its just all of a sudden I'm starting to get readings.

[kosys]

not sure how well that filter works, be cautious the chlorine can kill your live rock. I would not do any more water changes till you get your filter, also check to see exactly what that filter removes, it might leave traces of heavy metals. I have a hard time believing that this unit will be adequate, they are pretty cheap. test the water before using it in your tank. If all else fails, you should be able to buy RO water from your LFS. for the sake of RO water you can cost yourself alot more money and head aches in the long run.

Have you been changing the water, was it after a water change you noticed the chlorine or did it raise on its own? if so might want to check test kit you are using.

Good Luck
Ken

[LGR]

Originally Posted by kosys

Have you been changing the water, was it after a water change you noticed the chlorine or did it raise on its own? if so might want to check test kit you are using.

The rise in chlorine was on its own, I did a 10 gallon water change earlier tonight and it dropped somewhat. I'm using those like sticks ya plop in for a second and they start to change color. Its not really high levels of chlorine, but some comes up on the test.

My rocks seem to be doing what they are expected to do, slight mold, ammonia and nitrate levels dropping, foul oder starting to go away.


Also, my LFS really stinks, lots of young kids that just work there, owner is always out when I go. Do you have any links to the setup and how an RO/DI water system works?

[LGR]

another thought, could the rise in nitrites and nitrates or other chemicals other than chlorine be "fooling" the chlorine test I have??

[CSeaSee]

If there is chlorine in your tap water, another way to get rid of it is to aerate it for a couple days- the water will naturally de-chlorinate. This is done before adding salt. It may take a little longer than adding chemicals, but aging tap water isn't a bad idea if you aren't going to use a RO unit.

[kosys]

Hi LGR: Two things, First carl is absolutly right if you airate your water it will naturally dechlorinate itself in a couple of days. secondly I tired one of those test sticks you were talking about, it also showed I had chloine, and I know I don't. I use an RO unit and my tank has been established for almost a year now. I was talking with a buddy he works at my LFS and he also says you can get false readings from those sticks. he said if your tank is cycling ok not to be too concerend.

If you are running a sump you can also put a sock with activated carbon in it for a few days, black Diamond is a good brand. Don't leave too long carbon will also remove some benficial trace elements. By then your filter should of arrived it will atleast get rid of chlorine for ya.


Ken

[LGR]

Alright, so long as you get bad readings with your sticks it makes me feel better.

I'll keep you all posted on the situation as the cycle process continues

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by kosys

Hi LGR: Two things, First carl is absolutly right if you airate your water it will naturally dechlorinate itself in a couple of days.

This is true if the water company used chlorine as the disinfectant but in the U.S. most water districts now use chloramine. Chloramine takes two weeks to dissipate.

[kosys]

thanx Ninong I didnt know that I'm in canada we still do it old fashion way lol. we Canadians are pretty slow lol.

I would not use tap water for a marine tank even if you get rid of the chlorine or chlorimine there will still be other trace elements in water that is no good.

LGR your best bet would be to find a source of RO water. LFS,Water store, even supermarket. there are several places that sell it. Some say you can use distilled water too, I personaly don't know much about distilled water. Some of the others can tell you more that. The water is the life blood of your tank, not good place to try and cut corners.

Ken

[LGR]

Yeah i've done a little poking around, seems walmart sells RO water from a Culligan counter in some stores. I'm prolly going to end up throwing in the towel and get an RO system, just can't find enough info on them to fully understand the installation and such.

[kosys]

they are pretty simple I mounted mine to a cart and made it portable when I need to make water I pull it out and hook up to kitchen sink other end I hook to 40 gal plastic garbage can that I use to store my RO water which I use to make salt water and top up. the garbage can is on wheels I wheel it out of closet right up to tank.

I'm in a condo so space is also limited and the RO unit was not that expensive. Has more than paid for itself. I have the Coralife Pure Flow it has three filters on it. The filters are good for 3000 gals or 6 months. I usally change little sooner than that. works great. Oh yea it makes 100 gals a day and I got float from LFS for can so if I forget it don't overflow, when full pump will stop automatically.

Ken

[LGR]

oh, i thought they had to be mounted and installed inline with your plumbing so its at a stationary location. good to know, now i'll have to look into them

[kosys]

If you have room too instal permanent that would be ideal, So much for living in a perfect world lol. no you can set up anyway you like my unit came with all fittings to hook up too spout on kitchen sink, then I just turn on cold water and plug in pump and let her go. takes me about 31/2 hours to make 40 gals lasts about a week.

[kosys]

mine is Pure - Flo II 100 gallons per day three canister system W/pump, here is a link if you want to see a picture of it scroll half way down page there are few types there to look at.

Coralife Aquarium RO Systems and Kent Marine Aquarium RO Systems

[LGR]

Alright, i'm jump into the RO world. I'ma head to a FLS with a decent staff to school me and perhaps sell me a unit if the money is right.

Kos, you've been great. thanks.

[kosys]

no probs you'll have peace of mind when it comes to your water.

Good Luck Bud
Ken