Xenia help reduce nitrates?

[dlish89]

I was reading a thread and someone stated that they thought xenia helps reduce nitrates. Does anyone know this for sure? Thank you

 

[Mykayel]

I've heard that along with mushrooms and a few others using nitrates as a food sources... however I wouldn't count on it as a primary source to lower your nitrates.

 

[abeard]

I have a tank full of Xenia and Shrooms and Nitrate is still my #1 issue.

 

[dlish89]

Thanks for the input. I didn't plan to use it as the only source for controlling nitrates, I just need all the help I can get to keep my nitrates down.

 

[Fred_J]

Look in the all things salty forum and read the sticky on the remote DSB. Anthony Calfo uses these as well as some public aquariums.
HTH
Fred

 

[Jon Evans]

a fuge is the best way to remove nitrates IMO.

 

[dlish89]

Sorry I should have said in my original post I have a fuge, but nitrates are still alittle high. I posted this thread, because I'm wanting to get some xenia ( and yes I have read it grows like a weed) and I was just wondering if it will help control nitates. I plan on gettin some in the next week or so. After I get some I will let you know if it did anything to help with my nitrate problem. Thanks for all the input everyone.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Yes, but it takes a large amount. When you use Xenia to control your nitrates, they are called "Xenia Scrubbers". A study was done a while back about how much Xenia actually consumes and what it consumes. It most likely is linked in Randy Holmes-Farley's forum. All in all, your single best removal of nitrates is water changes, followed by algal scrubbers, deep sand beds and live rock. Most of the latter are found in your typical "Refugium" set up.

 

[Pandora]

Before long, you may have a large amount if they grow well But I do agree that they shouldn't be your primary source of nitrate removal, a refugium is more efficient at this job. If they were completely efficient, it would get to a point where xenia reduce it so well that they can't inhabit the water themselves!