nitrate spikes in coral tank issues

[flambo0]

My nitrate levels shot up to 40 ppm overnight in my 75-gallon mixed reef. Running a Red Sea Reefer with two AI Hydra 32s, weekly 10% water changes, and a Reef Octopus skimmer. Corals look stressed, especially the Acropora. Any ideas what's causing this?

[buzznut]

Yo, that's sketchy. Did you check your RODI water? Sometimes the filters go bad and dump nitrates. Also, how old's your live rock? Old rock can leach nasties.

[flinta]

Overfeeding's a common culprit. What's your feeding routine like? I had a similar issue when I was dumping too much Reef Roids into my 60-gallon.

[skylark]

My nitrate levels shot up to 40 ppm overnight in my 75-gallon mixed reef. Running a Red Sea Reefer with two AI Hydra 32s, weekly 10% water changes, and a Reef Octopus skimmer. Corals look stressed, especially the Acropora. Any ideas what's causing this?

Have you tested your source water? Sometimes municipal supplies spike nitrates seasonally. Also, check your skimmer's cup—if it's full, it might not be pulling waste efficiently.

[novafx]

I'd double-check your bio-load. How many fish are in there? Tangs and anthias are nitrate factories if you're overstocked.

[flambo0]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll test my RODI and cut back feeding. Didn't think about the skimmer cup—it's pretty full.

[dawnlite9]

If it's a sudden spike, consider a water change with fresh salt mix. I use Tropic Marin Pro and it's kept my nitrates stable in my 120-gallon.

[haven_9]

Yo, that's sketchy. Did you check your RODI water? Sometimes the filters go bad and dump nitrates. Also, how old's your live rock? Old rock can leach nasties.

For real, man. My RODI unit was the culprit last year. Swapped the DI resin and it fixed everything.

[Slice]

Test phosphate levels. High phosphates can mask nitrate issues by inhibiting coral uptake. Use a Hanna checker for accuracy.

[Fluxcore]

Dude, your skimmer might need a tune-up. My Reef Octopus was acting up last month and nitrates crept up. Cleaned the venturi and it's back to pulling gunk like a champ.