Starved for Nitrates?

[MarkD40]

My 7 year old tank has 0 Nitrates. I want to add a refugium and grow Graciliaria to feed my tangs. I was also planning on growing some Cheato. My concerm is that the plants will remove Nitrate from the system faster and before my colony of anaerobic bacteria get any and the bacteria will gradually die off to some extent. Will this cause any problems that I should be aware of? Comments please!

 

[Sparkss]

where is your anaerobic bacteria currently established ? DSB ? Elsewhere ?

 

[MarkD40]

Tom, I have 80lbs LR in my display, 100lbs. in my 75 gallon sump. I have minimal sand in my display but have 3" of coarse sand in my sump over an undergravel filter with powerheads attached. The sump is 18" X 48". 12" X 48" is undergravel over 3/4" pvc pipe. The remaining 6" X 48" is 4'' of coarse sand down to the glass. I plan on a refugium with 4" of KENT refugium media overlain with about 1/4" of coarse sand to pfrevent agitation of the finer stuff.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

I see where sparkss is going to go with this, but from a different point of view, why don't you just increase feeding to increase your nitrates?

**I thought I would never hear myself say that.

 

[MarkD40]

Travis, my fish would kiss you if they could! It is a thought, however.....

 

[ReeferAl]

There was a series in Coral magazine about the "Nutrient Limited Aquarium". It addressed the situation where there is actually too little nitrate or phosphate. I think it is really only a problem in SPS aquariums that have few or no fish and never feed.

 

[PRODIBIO]

Add ammonia chloride. will help increase nitrates and the Graciliaria will grow out of the tank.

 

[BS]

we could run some PVC pipe from my tanks to yours :lol: But I think the the plants would make it on lighting alone, Also you could try something like "Success Green" made by Red Sea Fish pHarm

 

[Johnsteph10]

The plants will not outcompete the bacteria. If that could happen, there would be no life on earth.

 

[MarkD40]

Thanks for the replies. I really need something better to think about while I am waiting to go to sleep at night!

 

[gobind]

the best thing to do is add vodka thats what the Germans do.....

 

[jda]

You can get in a situation where the N and P is so low that your coral can starve, lighten up in color, stop growing... or die.

The bacteria will most likely get enough nutrient to stay alive and the macro will not grow too fast. Your coral will be the one to suffer.

Keep in mind that your coral has to eat. Some N and P is a good idea.

 

[Fredfish]

I really need something better to think about while I am waiting to go to sleep at night!

the best thing to do is add vodka

:rollface: :rollface: :rollface: :rollface: :rollface: :rollface:

Slow drip, no thinning with oj, sleep comes fast...

Fred

 

[msman825]

Only thing with vodka at
my house NEVER makes it in the tank

 

[hawaiianwargod]

Vodka and reefing ? Worsed combo of addictions....have you ever meet an alcoholic reefer? LOL!!!

 

[graveyardworm]

Here's an ongoing thread which addresses NO3 additions to maintain levels for macro and seagrasses.

 

[MarkD40]

Thanks Dave.

I prefer Jim Beam

 

[Im14abeer]

There's a new product on the market, and it's just for you! Jamie's miracle water change effluent Guaranteed to raise your nitrates! Fortified with all natural tang poo! Now with live rock detrius! Just pay shipping and handling.

 

[mr.wilson]

Just because you are reading 0 nitrate in your system water, doesn't mean it isn't bio-available. As it becomes available it is quickly assimilated or dissimilated by bacteria. Algae has a clear window of opportunity for nitrogenous nutrients.

Apart from that, your macro-algae will have co2, light, phosphate, silicate, organic compounds, iron, magnesium, potassium and trace elements as a viable food source. Terrestrial plants require large proportions of nitrogen for growth. Marine algae doesn't require as much, as it does not experience it in great quantities in nature (with the exception of mangrove and tidal areas).

 

[MarkD40]

Thanks mr.wilson, I feel better.