I did something drastic that I think will work.

[AmatureReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14804425#post14804425 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IslandCrow
I'm afraid that canister filter isn't going to "pull" out any nitrates if that's what you really mean for it to do. Canister filters can be very useful, but you need to keep them clean, or they can cause similar problems as the bioballs. What sort of media are you using in the canister filter by the way?

As for the bioballs, pulling them was probably a very good idea, and it's not surprising at all that you didn't get an ammonia spike. With 70 lbs of live rock, those bioballs were completely redundant. Just keep up on your water changes, and make sure you don't get detritus building up underneath and between that rock rubble. Your nitrates should continue to drop. Best of luck.

Also to answer your question about what media I am using. I am using a very basic carbon/filter pad, No bio balls. Also I got a very easy cannister that can be cleaned in probably 10-15 minutes. It is really keeping my water clear, but you are right it really has not put a substantial dent in my nitrates. still hanging at 40.

 

[Anemonebuff]

Bio balls are nitrate factories and after numerous people have removed them their nitrates dropped, yes, overnight. The byproduct from the bioballs is nitrate, that is why we do not use them on reef tanks anymore. The LR in the tank should be enough to remove ammonia and nitrites. I would be more worried about lowered O2 from the removal and new bacteria growth.

A canister filter will become a nitrate factory over time as well.

 

[CeeGee]

glad that ammonia didn't spike. Good luck in the nitrate reduction. Check out this months TOTM. He used AZ-NO3 to lower his and it seems to have worked. You need a good skimmer though if I recall correctly.

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14796694#post14796694 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by heap
'i did something drastic' is the aquarium equivalent of "hey ya'll, watch this...."

:lol: :lol: :lol:

That's great.

 

[AmatureReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14809394#post14809394 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CeeGee
glad that ammonia didn't spike. Good luck in the nitrate reduction. Check out this months TOTM. He used AZ-NO3 to lower his and it seems to have worked. You need a good skimmer though if I recall correctly.

I totally just got this product and Im on day 6 and I am at 40 still. But It is a 30 day proccess. and also my skimmer is pulling out a bit more than usual.

I also played with my skimmer a bit and was able to get a much better foam collumn which I think will help out a bit more.