How much nitrates can SPS corals handle?

[xenon]

I test my water every few days.

I got a new clam and noticed it spawning. I asume that is the reason for my nitrate spike.

I am usually at 5 but I tested it last night and I hit 25!

I did a 10% water change and got it down to 10.

I picked up some SeaChem Purigen media and placed it in a media bag in my sump between my bubble trap baffles. That should absorb all the nitrates in my water. I am just not sure how long it will take.

Here is a picture of my dying birds nest.

Before (3weeks ago)

After (today)

 

[DARKPHREAK]

Didnt the guys on AC tell you it would die?

 

[stony_corals]

Nitrates don't kill corals... sps brown out due to the zoox that increase in density due to their ability to absorb NO3 from the water.... I'd doubt that the TN is due to NO3, it's most likely a flow or alk issue.

 

[Serioussnaps]

The precursor of Nitrates are nitrites and ammonia........those are what is killing your livestock....not the nitrates themselves, but what they stem from.

 

[Serioussnaps]

The precursor of Nitrates are nitrites and ammonia........those are what is killing your livestock....not the nitrates themselves, but what they stem from. If your nitrates jumped from 5 to 25 that means there is something that caused an ammonia spike that the BN just couldnt handle IMO. There is always some source of ammonia in our tanks but it is broken down efficiently.....in your case you went beyond the threshold...find the source!

 

[stony_corals]

He's got a lot of live rock, and assuming it's not just been "cooked", the nitrification happends quite efficiently.

I'd also be suspect on your NO3 test kit. If you did a 10% water change, assuming that your RO/DI has no nutrients (NO3, NO2, NH3), if your initial test showed a level of 25ppm, you new NO3 level would be 25 - 2.5 or 22.5ppm. Again I am also assuming you didn't have a lot of denitrification happening between the two events.

The test, test kit, or testor is suspect.... I don't think the basal recession and brown out are due to nitrates. What's your alk?

 

[Green Thumb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9368476#post9368476 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DARKPHREAK
Didnt the guys on AC tell you it would die?

WOW! Will you look at that. I think I recognize that nest.:thumbdown :thumbdown :thumbdown :thumbdown

Went past the speed limit, will pay the ticket.

 

[Green Thumb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9368848#post9368848 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stony_corals
He's got a lot of live rock, and assuming it's not just been "cooked", the nitrification happends quite efficiently.

I'd also be suspect on your NO3 test kit. If you did a 10% water change, assuming that your RO/DI has no nutrients (NO3, NO2, NH3), if your initial test showed a level of 25ppm, you new NO3 level would be 25 - 2.5 or 22.5ppm. Again I am also assuming you didn't have a lot of denitrification happening between the two events.

The test, test kit, or testor is suspect.... I don't think the basal recession and brown out are due to nitrates. What's your alk?

You hit the nail on the head, rock is fresh out of the oven.

 

[CeeGee]

high phosphates can also kill corals like that.

IME birdsnest need pristine water conditions. I find them pretty difficult although others disagree.

 

[nysbadmk8]

Mine are surviving ( growing too )my 50ppm down fall.. im at 20ppm and falling... sugar is working well.. colors arent great.. but thats to be expected

 

[Jay4Robin]

Frag it up save what you can. Give the frags to a friend with good water quality before its too late.
I have lost plenty of sps in the begining. My refugium is a grave yard. Go slow. You will save alot of money. Good luck

 

[Serioussnaps]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9439664#post9439664 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Green Thumb
You hit the nail on the head, rock is fresh out of the oven.

I am about to die....i have stated in about 14 other threads with his dying corals that his tank looks very immature. I think thats what you are talking about.

 

[damienkee]

I agree with some post here. I still don't think with that amount of NO3 will kill your coral.

 

[Green Thumb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9440613#post9440613 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Serioussnaps
I am about to die....i have stated in about 14 other threads with his dying corals that his tank looks very immature. I think thats what you are talking about.

Serrious,Thats exactly it. I also told him (on AC) to think of trading in the birdsnest for a coral more suited for begginer/more suited for a young tank. But no listen. A birds nest should NEVER be the first coral added to an immature tank IMO.

Personaly, when I didnt listen to experienced reefers in the past, I made mistakes that cost me $$. I guess we all go through our fare share of learning the hard way.