regalangelfish
New member
what are the possible sources for No3 in a reef aquarium? and, how to lower them?
getting back to the basics
- Thread starter regalangelfish
- Start date
Nitrate comes primarily from food. All proteins contain nitrogen, for example. Some organisms can fix nitrogen from the air, but I haven't seen any reason to believe that our tanks get much nitrogen that way.
Reducing the level in the water column can be done a number of ways. Reducing feeding can do a lot in some cases. Adding better export, like better skimming or more live rock, is another approach. In addition, some types of filtration, like bio-balls, seem to increase the nitrate level by inhibiting denitrification, so removing that can help.
A coarse substrate, like crushed coral, can accumulate a lot of debris, which then produce a lot of dissolved nutrients. I had this problem, and had to pitch my crushed coral and replace it with sand.
This article covers a lot of ground:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/8/chemistry
Reducing the level in the water column can be done a number of ways. Reducing feeding can do a lot in some cases. Adding better export, like better skimming or more live rock, is another approach. In addition, some types of filtration, like bio-balls, seem to increase the nitrate level by inhibiting denitrification, so removing that can help.
A coarse substrate, like crushed coral, can accumulate a lot of debris, which then produce a lot of dissolved nutrients. I had this problem, and had to pitch my crushed coral and replace it with sand.
This article covers a lot of ground:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/8/chemistry
regalangelfish
New member
Wow... thanks. just read the entire article and alot to take in but gives me alot to try as well.
1. perhaps I need to lower my food in the tank? I'm currently dosing 8 ml (4ml liquid and 4 solid)
2. continue to keep tank clean with water changes and siphoning sand bed. I do a small section every water change as not to disturb biological filtration too much.
3. continue to use my oversized skimmer 24/7
4. continue to use carbon dosing and perhaps start vinegar as well to reduce to better levels.
5. will test the No3 from ro/di unit to see it if is a significant source.
6. Use a power head to blow off detritus from the rocks befor water changes
7. add more live rock to sump. I have been removing little by little over some time now.
detritus has definately been accumulating in my tank its something I've been struggleing with. I have pretty good flow but can be better so increasing flow is still on the to do.
1. perhaps I need to lower my food in the tank? I'm currently dosing 8 ml (4ml liquid and 4 solid)
2. continue to keep tank clean with water changes and siphoning sand bed. I do a small section every water change as not to disturb biological filtration too much.
3. continue to use my oversized skimmer 24/7
4. continue to use carbon dosing and perhaps start vinegar as well to reduce to better levels.
5. will test the No3 from ro/di unit to see it if is a significant source.
6. Use a power head to blow off detritus from the rocks befor water changes
7. add more live rock to sump. I have been removing little by little over some time now.
detritus has definately been accumulating in my tank its something I've been struggleing with. I have pretty good flow but can be better so increasing flow is still on the to do.
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