Nitrates reading 160!

dinger28

Member
Hey all. I have a 300 gallon tank with some sps and lps. I just tested my nitrates and they read 160! I have No3Po4x and want to start dosing, but am a little confused. It says do 3 ml per 25 gallon each day and test weekly. That means I would be dosing 36ml of this stuff a day. Is that right? Just seems a little high to me. Thanks!
 
It was an API and didn't expire until 2018. Have used them before with no issues, but I will say it has been 8 months since I used the kit last.
 
I use the stuff regularly. When ever I start a new regime I do 1/2 the recommended amount every other day and test 2 times a week. Then up to every day (1/2). You will see nitrates drop. You should also consider an algae turf scrubber or GFO


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Ok with test kit a little back round on tank 300 gallons amount of fish what do you feed . Type of filtration sand gravel re- fuge ,I have been in this same problem , sorry for so many questions trying to help
 
No worries! Have had the tank for almost a year and a half. Have 17 fish which have been with me for the majority of the time. 2 to 3 inch sand bed. Big reef octopus protein skimmer (rated for 600 gallons). Feed 3 cubes of frozen varieties every day. Nori 3 times a week. 2 filter socks and 200 pounds of live rock. Slacked on my water changes and did 2 in 3 months. Getting back to bi weekly now. All fish accounted for and no dead loss to cause the high nitrates. Dosed 36ml today. Should I cut that back? Just following the directions. Thanks again for your help.
 
No worries! Have had the tank for almost a year and a half. Have 17 fish which have been with me for the majority of the time. 2 to 3 inch sand bed. Big reef octopus protein skimmer (rated for 600 gallons). Feed 3 cubes of frozen varieties every day. Nori 3 times a week. 2 filter socks and 200 pounds of live rock. Slacked on my water changes and did 2 in 3 months. Getting back to bi weekly now. All fish accounted for and no dead loss to cause the high nitrates. Dosed 36ml today. Should I cut that back? Just following the directions. Thanks again for your help.


I would cut back. Per my earlier post, I think it's always best to start slow unless it's an emergency. Cut to 1/2 every other day to see how your corals react and then slowly test. Watch all your parameters. Just like any carbon dosing method, I think it's best to star slow and slowly increase- all the while testing as you go.


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nopox works really good...i had same problems with high nitrates..at 160 as well....it takes several months to finally kick in..so dont get discouraged..but i did what the directions said to the letter..and then once i got it down i did half the dosage....now im down to like once a week....
 
So you've got differing opinions - however both have produced positive results. I would just watch your corals and see how they respond if you are doing 36/day.


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Did 36 yesterday and will only do 20 today and from now on. Will see what happens and keep everyone updated. Will get a FTS here soon. :)
 
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