Struggling get NO3 UP

[Xandernfs]

Tank info: RSR 250, 6 fish (2 clowns, 2 wrasse, wheelers goby, midas blenny), RO 150-SSS skimmer, Clear Water ATS.

My NO3 has consistently been at .25ppm quite a while. My coral is slowly growing, but growth has slowed down. I have my skimmer off for 5 hours and my ATS off for 9 hours. This has done nothing. I also just added the midas and an orange back fairy wrasse last week. NO3 did not change. I plan on feeding more and not rinsing the food as well. Any other suggestions? More fish? I really don't want to dose NO3 as I already manually dose alk & ca daily.

 

[nereefpat]

Do you know what your PO4 is? If so, how are you measuring it?

You don't carbon dose, do you?

 

[mcgyvr]

More fish.. increase nutrient input (more food).. take ATS or skimmer offline... reduce water changes.. and many other choices..

I agree that phosphate info is needed to if you aren't already measuring it..

 

[Xandernfs]

Do you know what your PO4 is? If so, how are you measuring it?

You don't carbon dose, do you?

Red Sea and the PO4 has been .002 to undetectable. I do not carbon dose.

More fish.. increase nutrient input (more food).. take ATS or skimmer offline... reduce water changes.. and many other choices..

I agree that phosphate info is needed to if you aren't already measuring it..

Do you think that I have too many fish for that tank? If not, any suggestions on which peaceful fish I could add?

 

[mcgyvr]

IMO look into taking the ATS offline and increase your food input into the tank (coral food too) and see how that goes.. Adjust as needed..

Your output is simply greater than your input..

 

[reefgeezer]

I would suggest watching the system and not sweating the numbers. IMO, any positive number when testing N & P indicates there is enough in the system. If anything, SLOWLY add bioload via food or fish or both... and watch some more.

 

[nereefpat]

I think that adding the two fish, feeding more, and shortening the photoperiod on the ATS sound like a good plan.