Nitrate spike 3 weeks after part II

[awatson72]

After 3 weeks from adding part II, I was alarmed to find my nitrates quite high, 50 ppm. I've done a fair amount of reading about this problem and the drastic solutions, everything from 100% water change to vodka. Has anyone else had this with a TBS tank? All my other parameters have been more or less fine. I've been feeding the tank, (target feeding anenomes and serpent stars), about a 1/2 - 3/4 tsp of minced raw shrimp once a week. No other feed yet. This is a 20 gallon long tank, no skimmer, 20-25% water changes at least weekly, 400gph circulation.
All critters seem fine except the flower anenome, which was very small, and being picked at by the peppermint shrimp, and now I have seen no trace of it for a couple weeks, and I haven't seen the decorator crab also in a couple weeks.
Looking for suggestions on how to best handle the nitrate problem from those more experienced than I.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[HowardW]

<<< This is a 20 gallon long tank, no skimmer, >>>


I would strongly recommend getting a protein skimmer, maybe something like a Remora Nano. The skimmer removes a lot of the organics from the water before they break down and converts to nitrates. I would also not recommend doing 100% water changes.

 

[rklaue]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9717194#post9717194 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HowardW
<<< This is a 20 gallon long tank, no skimmer, >>>


I would strongly recommend getting a protein skimmer, maybe something like a Remora Nano. The skimmer removes a lot of the organics from the water before they break down and converts to nitrates. I would also not recommend doing 100% water changes.

I agree on both points.
Also~There are other nano-skimmers to choose from that may be a little cheaper, but remember you get what you pay for. I would highly recommend not getting a $30 one whatever you do.

 

[awatson72]

OK, thanks for the tips. I definitely wasn't planning a 100% water change (or vodka), but I will seriously consider a quality skimmer.

 

[ybenormal]

A skimmer will certainly help remove organics before they can break down and add to the nitrate problem but don't expect it to cure the problem.

Dosing vodka or sugar is not something I'd recommend for anyone that is new to the hobby. Even experienced reef keepers should only consider it after doing lots of research and even then only if they have good test kits, a good skimmer and are willing and able to closely monitor water parameters.

Do you have a sump/refugium? If not, do you have room to add one?

 

[awatson72]

I don't have a sump/refugium. How big should it be for a 20 gallon tank? That would dictate whether or not I'd have room for one.

 

[Amyandlars]

Also what kind of water are you using? Is this RO/DI water?

 

[awatson72]

The water is well water that has been lab tested and is moderately hard but otherwise extremely pure. Moreso than most bottled water you buy in the store.

 

[ybenormal]

Well water can have elevated nitrates or phosphates, maybe even elevated TDS, and still be within drinking standards. Test your well water when you have a chance so you will at least know if that is a contributing factor. Running well water through a RO/DI creates some complications as it is usually very cold and often has lots of sediment. The "Filter Guys" (another RC sponsor and a highly rated vendor) can advise what you'd need if you choose to go this route.

By the way, bottled drinking water is barely regulated. Comparisons between it and RO/DI or well water is like, well, like comparing apples, bicycles and bananas. ;-)

Sizing of a refugium? Good question. An ideal refugium for a 20g tank would be about 200g but even a small HOB refugium or a 10g-20g DIY refugium set up in your stand would help if it is set up properly and has a growing crop of macro algae. Refugiums can be complex and expensive designs made from acrylic, old tanks or even cheap Rubbermaid containers. Other options include coil denitrators or remote deep sand beds.

Before exploring those options though, I'd start by adding a good skimmer. Consider a Remora or something similar. Don't buy a seaclone no matter what the LFS tells ya'. I'd also avoid the Coralife Super Skimmers. They work OK but are very temperamental and I'd never run one HOB (based on personal experience). Also, do several 10-15% water changes every few days to see if the nitrate levels drop gradually.