Reducing nitrates and ca/mg info

stokessc · 10-09-2006, 08:33 PM

Hi all,

My tank is very stable in all areas except nitrates which are currently at about 50 ppm. I've been doing weekly 10% water changes for the last few weeks and I still can't seem to bring the numbers down.

Here are the rest of my stats:
PH = 8.2
Ammonia = 0
Nitrites = 0
Alk = low
Calcium = 850 ppm
Magnesium = 2000 ppm

So, I have two questions:

1. Is there a reliable product on the market that would expedite the reduction of nitrates to a reasonable level?

2. I know that your corals need a good level of Ca and MG but is there such a a thing as too high levels?

Thanks for your help.

Steve

Stevej72 · 10-09-2006, 08:39 PM

nitrates, what kind of Filtration are you using, and what kind of media?

Have you had a LFS test your water to see if your results are accurate?

stokessc · 10-09-2006, 08:45 PM

PS - Has anyone ever heard of a product called "Algone"? It's supposed to reduce the nitrate levels quickly.

Thanks,
Steve

stokessc · 10-09-2006, 08:49 PM

I use a sump with filter pads and a protein skimmer as well as live rock/live sand for filtration.

I have double tested and compared the results with two different test kits and am coming up with the same numbers so I don't think that taking samples to the lfs would help.

Also, since my alkilinity is relatively close to 0, should I add a buffer to bring it up and if so, to what level and does anyone have a recommended method of increasing alkalinity?

Thanks,
Steve

Stevej72 · 10-09-2006, 08:51 PM

I used it in my FOWLR with no real change in nitrates, but I had good luck with
chmi-pure. Not that it doesn't work, just didn't for me Others have had good luck with it

gwen_o_lyn · 10-09-2006, 08:52 PM

Filter pads are probably an issue. Are you regularly cleaning them out? I recommend working down the nitrates naturally and dump chemicals as a last resort.

What kind of water are you using?

stokessc · 10-09-2006, 09:01 PM

Hi Gwen,

I clean/change out my filter pads frequently and am using distilled water.

I feed the tank every two days(I have been giving them 2 cubes of mysis shrimp & 2 cubes of prime Reef with a touch of flake but I think that's been a bit much since I've noticed buildup on the bottom ever since I lost my diamond goby)

I understand the importance of frequent water changes but this is getting ridiculous.

Steve

gwen_o_lyn · 10-09-2006, 09:05 PM

Do you think your skimmer really pulls out what it should?

What kind is it?

I would take out the filter pads to eliminate that as a source.

What size tank? My tank would have to be about 300-400g before I fed that much.

Stevej72 · 10-09-2006, 09:15 PM

I agree with Gwen on the filter pads. And the feeding.

Quote:

Also, since my alkilinity is relatively close to 0, should I add a buffer to bring it up and if so, to what level and does anyone have a recommended method of increasing alkalinity?

I use Seachem "Marine Buffer" in my ro water which takes care of the ph and alk for my nano tank,

gwen_o_lyn · 10-09-2006, 09:21 PM

Tell us about your bioload too

Stevej72 · 10-09-2006, 09:29 PM

This may be of some help to you just took me some time to find "Thanks V"
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php

stokessc · 10-09-2006, 10:06 PM

Thanks Steve,

I've read the article before but it's a good refresher.

Gwen, my bioload is:

1 percula clown
1 regal tang
1 flame angel
1 copperband butterfly
1 blue damsel
1 peppermint shrimp
1 flame shrimp

pulsing xenia
ricordias
green hairy mushroom
assorted cleaner crew(snails, emerald crab, hermits)

The tank is approx 60 gal with a 12 gal sump and protein skimmer

Steve

gwen_o_lyn · 10-09-2006, 10:10 PM

Bioload seems high.

Cut back on the feedings. I feed my 72bow about 1/3rd-1/2 a cube every 2-3 days. Only feed what they eat within a few minutes time.

Just remember, everything you put in the tank needs to be sucked out by you skimmer. Is your skimmer keeping up?

stokessc · 10-09-2006, 10:36 PM

Hi Gwen,

The skimmer hasn't been active for the past week or so since I've increased water changes. Forgive my newness but when you say that you "feed your 72bow"..what is a "72bow"?

Steve

gwen_o_lyn · 10-09-2006, 10:38 PM

72 gallon bow shaped tank

It's 72 with a 20g sump, so a 92g system.

stokessc · 10-09-2006, 10:43 PM

So...you only feed the whole tank 1/2 - 1/3 a cube of food every 2 - 3 days? Based on the bio-load that I listed, do you think that's reasonable for me?

Amazing..your kids can tell you when they're hungry and you can tell when they are over-eating, but how do you know when you're feeding your fish the proper amount of food?

Steve