[Shadowace]

hello, i have a 30g fish and live rock set up and had it cycle for 3-4 weeks but the nitrate is still around 20pmm. its kinda wierd because its always been like this since day 1 ammonia and nitrite have always been 0 but the nitrate is always around 20 and hasn't moved at all, i use the quick dip tests to btw. anyone got an idea whats going on or if this is normal?

[leebca]

Your live rock is doing its job of processing the ammonia and nitrites, but may be lagging behind on its job of handling some of the nitrates.

How much circulation do you have in the tank? You don't mention if you have a refugium with macroalgae, or any other means of controlling nitrates.

I like the fact that you are taking it slow. The quick dip sticks are useful for screening but they are not to be used to make water changing decisions or to make decisions on adding of marine livestock. Obtain some more sensitive test kits for marine saltwater (such as Salifert, LaMotte, Hatch, etc.). After you have the new kits, repeat all the tests and then let us know the results.

Good luck!

[Reefland]

Hi Shadowace,


I agree with Lee here. Additionally, what type of skimmer are you using? What is your water change routine?