cheapest way to reduce nitrates?

[josh11551]

i am 15 and family dosen't allow alcohol in the house so vodka is out of the question. i know water changes help but how much on a 29 gallon tank should i take out and how often? any other remedies?would a skimmer work? i am trying to get it as close to zero as possible it is at about 20 right now. i am going to have a mixed reef tank once this stuff is settled out.

 

[dan223]

THis should probably be moved to the general reef discussion area. Anyway 5-7 g a week wouldnt be to expensive and would be very significant in keeping nutrient levels stable. The new bio pellets wouldnt be a bad option. Plants are excellent at nutrient export the key is using something that doesnt take over and get into all rock work like caulerpa does. Are you running a skimmer?

 

[josh11551]

not yet . will that help and i am doing 5 gallon a week. i just did one monday i have to do another this monday

 

[Znut Reefer]

You can get a skimmer would help. Also, try a refugium w/cheato.

 

[orthokardia]

read up on vinegar dosing. IMO better than vodka and should not be an issue with the folks.

 

[jubjub]

have you thought about using a old salt bucket and doing a Remote deep sand bed? my nitrates on my 90gal was at like 40.....with in a month my nitrates are practically undetectable now. i'd read up on that

 

[losthere]

feed less, and less fish is probably the cheapest way

 

[heller792]

dsb in the main display tanks, mine went from 50 -0 in 2 weeks and never moved again.

Dave

P.S a skimmer is a must

 

[tibob32]

don't dose vinegar or sugar without a skimmer. remote deep sand bed as suggested is a good idea. chaetomorphea in a refugium could also help

 

[josh11551]

i have researched the dsb. the only problem is, i would need to spend 30 dollars on the pump and like 70 on sand so thats 100 that isnt cheap really. is there any other way to do it?

 

[jkeim1974]

Josh you are worrying to much. Didn't your tank just finish its cycle not to long ago just keep doing the water changes they'll come down. Just get in touch with me I can also help you out with a skimmer. I know a guy selling a couple hob skimmers cheap.

 

[josh11551]

i will pm you right now.

 

[cfrobin]

skimmer and water changes are the best way to IMO.

A good CUC to get rid of the extra food is also a plus.

 

[WI reefer55]

wow no rly pressed cheato

get cheato stick it in ur sump or tank and in 24 hours i bet they will be undetectable on your test kit... and most people give it away

I keep most sps in my 58 and dont have a skimmer and rly dont see a need for one...

 

[glennr1978]

cheato. feed less. water changes. patience. problem solved.