All Parameters Are Fine Except Nitrates.

[TH3C1SC0K1D]

So I'm interested in taking the dive into keeping SPS Corals. I have designed my aquarium and purchased equipment specifically for this. I have a tendency to overfeed which has my Nitrate levels at 10ppm. All my other levels are listed below. I have a change to purchase a small SPS Colony and I am wondering if I should take the plunge? I'm still waiting for my BioPellet Reactor to come online It has been running for 1 week and I am in the process of seeing if a recirculating protein skimmer can be placed in my sump to replace my current Bubble Magus which does a great job. What are your thoughts?

Calcium: 420ppm
Alkalinity: 11dKH
pH: 8.2
Phosphates: Undetectable.

 

[DopeCantWin]

From what I read, you need to lower your Alkalinity to 7-8 if you're using BioPellets, otherwise you'll have burned SPS. Also you didn't mention what kind of lights you were running.

 

[TH3C1SC0K1D]

Reply to DopeCantWin.

Reply to DopeCantWin.

From what I read, you need to lower your Alkalinity to 7-8 if you're using BioPellets, otherwise you'll have burned SPS. Also you didn't mention what kind of lights you were running.

I'm curious as to why I need to lower my Alkalinity? The instructions on the package do not say anything about needing to alter my water chemistry to use? Also I am running a DIY LED Lighting from Rapid LED.

 

[MammothReefer]

Ya, you don't want to run your alk that high w/any method of carbon dosing. 7-8. There are a number of threads about it. Nitrate of 10 is not great but not the end of the world I would just do a few big water changes to get it down, then try to use the biopellets to maintain.

 

[TH3C1SC0K1D]

Ya, you don't want to run your alk that high w/any method of carbon dosing. 7-8. There are a number of threads about it. Nitrate of 10 is not great but not the end of the world I would just do a few big water changes to get it down, then try to use the biopellets to maintain.

Would you be able to prove me a link to the article about it? Thank you.

 

[MammothReefer]

not to be unhelpful but I gotta call it a nite. A quick google search for "alkalinity carbon dosing" should return plenty of results or if you want to find them just on RC in google put "alkalinity carbon dosing site:reefcentral.com"

 

[Snowsrfr]

Nitrates of 10 is nothing too worry about.

 

[waverz]

Nitrates of 10 is nothing too worry about.

Ditto, if you keep nitrates too low your corals will start looking pale and pastel looking. That's all good if that's what your going for but I prefer more vivid colors and get them by having nitrates that are 10+.

 

[DopeCantWin]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php. You could keep it higher and see if your corals are still happy. Might be the better path anyway, don't fix it if it isn't broken. But just something to keep an eye on.

 

[njreefermadness]

+1 on Nitrates of 10 not being a big deal. If you have a ton on nuisance algae, then I would be concerned.

 

[njreefermadness]

BTW, what Nitrate kit are you using? I don't trust any nitrate kit that does not say LaMotte on it.

 

[TH3C1SC0K1D]

So I think I may know what has been causing all my problems. I just recently installed a sump but the return pump ball valve was almost completely closed preventing fast turnover of the water and since the majority of the water was not reaching the filtration equipment in the sump I would assume that would do it. So I opened the ball valve and and will retest the water quality shortly.