[beachsidejuj]

Hey...short version.....tank down for a month with LS and LR...no lights...no power heads..no heater...started it up....2 weeks ago.... my stats at that time where Amm 0.25..nitrates 160....nitrites 0....PH 7.5.....temp 80....SG 1.025....I did tests every 2 days and the nitrates never moved down...so yesterday I did a 75% water change and tested it this morning and the Nitrates are still 160!!!! the only change that happened what that my PH went to 8....what am I going to do NOW????? the only thing in my tank is LR and LS....PLS PLS HELP!!!

[bnhaus]

No lights, no heat, no water movement.

The coral and live sand have organisms that require lighting and water movement.
The large die off may have happened.

Have you tried another test kit. I use 2 types for nitrates to get a better reading.

Do you have a skimmer? Refugium?

Let the tank run for a few days to bring the tank conditions back to normal.

Test again

[Br14n55reef]

I agree with bnhaus........More info on your tank would also help

[Jeremy0322]

and double check the test results with a different test kit, maybe the LFS will be able to just test it for you, bad test kit may be your problem right there.

[beachsidejuj]

Ok more infor...the tank has been up and running for 2 weeks...have had red algee growth...some rocks are turning colors....I have coralife 96w on my tank...it is 12g...I have used this kit many times before...but hell with a 75% water change I would have thought the nitrate wuld be down...

[Br14n55reef]

Your tank is still cycleing let it sit for 5/6 weeks..If I were you I wouldnt even test till week 5 then a 3 gallon water change every 7 days..The red algae sounds like cyno...The cyno is from not haveing enough water movement buy your self a Hydor Koralia Water Circulation Pump.....drfosterandsmith sells a Koralia Nano 240 gph 3.5 2" x 3 ...very nice pumps. these pumps will help with water quality. How old is your lighting? If its over a year old you will need new bulbs...Bulbs should be replaced yearly. Personaly I would never do a 75% water change on any system you just lose any bacteria that you gained and the system has to recycle. Just remember PATIENCE is key in salt water dose lightly do a 3 gal water change weekly on your 12g cube and get your water flow up and I think you'll see a big difference later.......
Good Luck and have fun! Brian
Any more questions just ask!