Hi! I'm new here and I'm also new to the hobby! I just received a used 30 gallon tank as of last week.
During the past week I have been cycling my tank as one should do when starting a new saltwater tank. Thing is, my Nitrates are through the roof!
I just got my Nitrates Hanna checker a couple of days ago so I only have about 3 days worth of Nitrate testing.
First Nitrate test: 15ppm
2nd test (yesterday) 20th of July: 23ppm
Today 21st of July: 39 ppm
I have 2 clowns currently (I know cycling with fish isn't good but they were given to me with the tank and it's all I have it was donated to me )
I may be over feeding them. So I started being more mindful of feeding.
My question is... because my tank is being cycled still... I shouldn't be doing any water changes right?
I was looking around on the other high Nitrate threads and noticed a lot of people suggesting a water change to resolve the issue. But I was also told to not do a water change if I'm cycling. So I'm not sure what to do.
I did just install a small HOB refugium with some chaeto and ceramic media. I heard the refugium can help remove Nitrates but I'm wondering if it's just going to be slow and if I should just stick it out.
What do you all think?
(Please keep in mind I'm super new so be easy on me thanks in advance)
During the past week I have been cycling my tank as one should do when starting a new saltwater tank. Thing is, my Nitrates are through the roof!
I just got my Nitrates Hanna checker a couple of days ago so I only have about 3 days worth of Nitrate testing.
First Nitrate test: 15ppm
2nd test (yesterday) 20th of July: 23ppm
Today 21st of July: 39 ppm
I have 2 clowns currently (I know cycling with fish isn't good but they were given to me with the tank and it's all I have it was donated to me )
I may be over feeding them. So I started being more mindful of feeding.
My question is... because my tank is being cycled still... I shouldn't be doing any water changes right?
I was looking around on the other high Nitrate threads and noticed a lot of people suggesting a water change to resolve the issue. But I was also told to not do a water change if I'm cycling. So I'm not sure what to do.
I did just install a small HOB refugium with some chaeto and ceramic media. I heard the refugium can help remove Nitrates but I'm wondering if it's just going to be slow and if I should just stick it out.
What do you all think?
(Please keep in mind I'm super new so be easy on me thanks in advance)