dead spots

[fishkeeprian]

Hi am suffering with dead spots at the moment, doesn't matter where I position both my powerheads I still don't manage to clear this dead spot. I have included a picture for reference. the powerheads are actually situated at the top of the tank to provide surface movement. They are set at an angle and point towards center of the front glass. Is the rock correctly laid out, any ideas, I an using two 900 Hydor wave makers.

This may me be adding to the problem of my Nitrates. I tested last night and they are around 50ppm. It seems not matter how many water changes I do I can't keep on top of them. I test my RO water prior to mixing my salt. I test my salt water prior to adding to take and all is good. I think I may add Seachem De Nitrate to my filter, what do you all think?

This is a FLUVAL EDGE 46L set up.

View attachment 344978

 

[cloak]

When your doing these water changes are you blasting your rocks with a power head, stirring up or vacuuming your sand bed etc? Are you using any type of mechanical filtration? (filter sock, HOB, canister) These need to be kept clean as well. High nitrates are usually an indication that your tank is working extra hard to process all the crap within it. Remove this and you'll lower that. GL.

 

[Reef Frog]

Your rock looks new so I'm assuming you have a younger tank. So my theory would be that the anaerobic bacteria colonies that turn nitrates into nitrogen gas have not had sufficient time to mature to their full potential. Nitrate processing is "back logged" so to speak. This is common. I remember it happening to me in the early years, but over time it self corrected as the tank matured and now I never see nitrates drift into the detectable zone.

In the mean time, the three best tools are siphoning detritus, water changes and prudent feeding. Adding lots of fish quickly could accelerate the issue. But a 50 level isn't too bad for a new tank - no need for radical action IMO.

My guess is your pump locations probably aren't affecting your NO3 levels directly. I've found that when pumps are pointed at the glass, the flow often moves in a laminar fashion parallel to the glass - not bouncing back in the opposite direction. Who know, but this could be causing your dead spot. A new pump on a side pane moving the water across the tank may give you the flow you want.

Good luck with your tank. Nice rock architecture you have there!