Can't get Nitrates down help! please im Lost!

[phenom5]

That link that RA posted goes into great detail about why and how vodka works, and how to implement it into your reef. That said, I don't think vodka is necessarily the answer here.

100% RO/DI water, reduced feedings, and increased water changes would be a good start IMO. And finding the source of the nitrite would also be at the top of my list.

 

[Rocdoc]

Jeez, easy Headless:eek2:. The OP has valid concerns. It makes good sense to research this stuff before blindly dumping it into a tank. Part of the problem with researching vodka dosing in a book is that there is relatively little information about it in the typical books. Much more info on the internet. The links given are a good start.

Vodka dosing is definitely a reasonable solution to this problem, but it is not the only solution and there is a lot of room for improvement in other ways that should be taken care of regardless of whether the OP ends up vodka dosing, using biopellets, or trying other methods.

The important steps as I see them are to:

1. Use RO/DI water for changes.
2. Slowly phase out the Bio Balls.
3. Decrease feeding for now (already done).

 

[headless]

Jeez, easy Headless:eek2:. The OP has valid concerns. It makes good sense to research this stuff before blindly dumping it into a tank. Part of the problem with researching vodka dosing in a book is that there is relatively little information about it in the typical books. Much more info on the internet. The links given are a good start.

Vodka dosing is definitely a reasonable solution to this problem, but it is not the only solution and there is a lot of room for improvement in other ways that should be taken care of regardless of whether the OP ends up vodka dosing, using biopellets, or trying other methods.

The important steps as I see them are to:

1. Use RO/DI water for changes.
2. Slowly phase out the Bio Balls.
3. Decrease feeding for now (already done).

Agreed....

However, I've seen all too many people here do frequent (and eventually costly) water changes without a solution. I only do water changes ever couple of months now and I don't have any issues. I was doing them every week for about 6 weeks and my levels didn't even change...

I agree that there isn't enough about vodka dosing...yet...but there's more coming as it's a great, cheap, and easy way to really keep levels good.

Now, if only I can find out where one of my flame scallops vanished to....hmmmmm...

 

[The Velvet Sea]

1. Use RO/DI water for changes.
2. Slowly phase out the Bio Balls.
3. Decrease feeding for now (already done).

I agree, those three are the best start.

 

[preef]

I don't think high nitrate is you problem. Those levels should not kill LPS corals.

As far as the hammer goes. Cut and discard any dying heads asap. Brown jelly infection can jump from one head to another very quickly.

There are other ways to get nitrates and phosphates down without carbon dosing. I'd try those first.

Get rid of bioballs -- slowly.
Get rid of any mechanical or sponge type filters that can hold deitrius. If you choose to use socks replace them every 2 days.
Be aware that running carbon or gac can also trap deitrius.
Run a refugium with cheato.
Lots of live rock in the DT.

My nitrate level is 2.5 and phosphate is undetectable with a Hanna kit without carbon dosing.

 

[tall_jason79]

Looking at the numbers he put up i think the coral issue is the fact alk is 3.4

the rest of the parameters are
sal. 1.025
ph.8.4
alk. 3.4
ammonia-0
nitrite-.1
nitarte-25 ppm
calcium 500 ppm
magnesium- 1350