My tank has been up for about 2 years now and some of my sps corals seem to be dying. I thought it was an Alk problem but found elevated levels of Nitrates. My nitrates have always been low to the point I stopped checking them. Where are they coming from. I had a filter sponge that I've used for about a year now and clean it weekly. Could this be holding the nitrates? I just changed it to a new one. I have some macro in my sump and I know that is supposed to help keep levels down. What is my best way to lower levels quickly to prevent further coral damage?
Higher Nitrates
- Thread starter tj2004
- Start date
Well, for temporary but rapid reduction, a series of water changes is the best approach. You could change 25% twice a day, althouhg it's a lot of work.
If the filter sponge is cleaned with fresh water or something that will kill saltwater bacteria, it's likely not the problem. Otherwise, it might be an issue. Overfeeding can be one issue. This article covers methods of reducing nitrate:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm
How much of the macroalga is being harvested out of the sump, and how often?
If the filter sponge is cleaned with fresh water or something that will kill saltwater bacteria, it's likely not the problem. Otherwise, it might be an issue. Overfeeding can be one issue. This article covers methods of reducing nitrate:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm
How much of the macroalga is being harvested out of the sump, and how often?
MCsaxmaster
New member
May I also suggest measuring the phosphate concentration? Usually (but not always) if nitrate is significantly elevated phosphate is too, and phosphate is often the more troublesome of the two for corals.
I did a water change on Friday and I plan to do one today too. I have a Phosban reactor running but I wonder if the media is saturated. i will do a phos test and get new media as well. The other thing I was thinking is that I might be overfeeding. I will cut back drastically. Does the nitrate sponge media work? Just wondering.
MCsaxmaster
New member
Yes, typically phosphate absorbing media will indeed absorb a fair amount of phosphate. Depending on how much is there to be absorbed, it could be exhausted after anywhere from hours to months.
I'd get an idea of the nutrient concentrations first, and then try to figure out why they might be elevated rather than assuming overfeeding is the cause. It may be that the critters aren't getting overfed, rather some other aspect of the husbandry may just be tripping you up. In other words, it's prudent not to put the critters on a diet unless need be, and especially if that doesn't get to the root of the problem
I'd get an idea of the nutrient concentrations first, and then try to figure out why they might be elevated rather than assuming overfeeding is the cause. It may be that the critters aren't getting overfed, rather some other aspect of the husbandry may just be tripping you up. In other words, it's prudent not to put the critters on a diet unless need be, and especially if that doesn't get to the root of the problem
Thanks for your ideas. My tank is going through some crazy changes it seems. I have a rose anenome that has split 5 times in the last month which just seems crazy. I sold the five to a LFS and I still have three larger ones. Aparently there is something in the water they don't mind but the SPS are having a hard time. I will try to get to the bottom of my issue as soon as possible.
You could be correct but before it split is was about the size of a dinner plate (10 inches). Two of the ones I have in my tank now were one and now they are both looking great. The split was about three weeks ago and now they sit right next to each other and are about six inches each. For me the more they split the more credit I get at the LFS. Honestly they are all looking very healthy.
I did a bunch of tests yesterday and the only elevated levels were nitrates. Phosphates were 0, amonia 0, ph 8.2, calcium 400,
Nitrates 50-100. I did do a large water change and I plan to do another one today as well until levels are back down. Could my calcium reactor be holding nitrates in the media? I only have about 3 inches of media left and wondered if this coud affect the nitrates.
Nitrates 50-100. I did do a large water change and I plan to do another one today as well until levels are back down. Could my calcium reactor be holding nitrates in the media? I only have about 3 inches of media left and wondered if this coud affect the nitrates.
jdieck
New member
For reactor performance, it is always better not to let the media go that low, top off media when it reaches no less that hlaf the reactor chamber. I top off mine when it is 3/4 of the chamber.
Regarding Nitrates, do you have a deep sand bed? If the bed is saturated with detritus or is no longer functioning Nitrates will shoot sky high.
