nitrates rising

[idgy]

I just recently added some more sand to my existing sand bed. I just notice my nitrates are up to 10 and there are normally around 5. Ammonia and nitrites are 0.


Would adding sand just raise the nitrates?

 

[mmkeeper]

It can by killing off some bacteria. Just do a water change and keep an eye on it. 10 is not going to hurt you, but if it keep climbing I would be prepared for more water changes. It is kinda like a mini cycle.

 

[drummereef]

Agree, once the sandbed has a chance to come alive your nitrates should come down. Just do water changes in the mean time.

 

[idgy]

does it take long for the sand bed to come alive?

 

[mmkeeper]

No. You could speed things along by mixing it a little.