Accidental Ultra Low Nutrient

AlexChef · Dec 18, 2020

I have a Fluval evo that I have regularly performed weekly 5-gallon water changes. I have always struggled with what I thought was cyano on the substrate, rocks, and glass. I performed a "Rip Clean" Per Brandon4290's recommendations. The cyano subsided for a while but has now come roaring back.

I have never been able to register a Nitrate reading when testing, I haven't bothered to obtain a Phosphorus test yet because I haven't wanted to pony up for the digital tester which is the only one I read worth investing in.

I feed roughly a have cube of frozen Mysis shrimp daily and weekly 5 gallon water changes.

I am LPS dominant but always thought that my coral wasn't growing as quick as it should.

xxkenny90xx · Dec 18, 2020

So what was your question? Are you looking to raise nutrients then? Add another fish and feed more if so. But if your corals look happy I would be hesitant to make any big changes

AlexChef · Dec 18, 2020

Looking to raise nutrients, adding a fish isn’t a viable option not a lot of room. My theory is that should help curb the cyano whil simultaneously benefiting coral

clifg · Dec 18, 2020

There are lots of bottled additives, I've heard good things about Brightwell and KZ. Also, you could just feed your tank? When I battled cyano it wasn't just raising nutrients it was a multi-front battle, Chemi-Clean, UV, raising the temp to 82, rigging up a filter sock, and not running any GFO, Carbon, or Polyfilter type media.

Edit: Also stopped water changes.

Crustaceon · Dec 18, 2020

If you’re having a low nutrient issue, the last thing you want to do are nearly 40% water changes (13.5g fluval right?). I probably wouldn’t do ANY until nitrates at least hit 4ppm. Your export is FAR exceeding your import. I’d do ONE gallon weekly at the most and only once you get some color on your nitrate test.

AlexChef · Dec 18, 2020

Crustaceon said:
If you’re having a low nutrient issue, the last thing you want to do are nearly 40% water changes (13.5g fluval right?). I probably wouldn’t do ANY until nitrates at least hit 4ppm. Your export is FAR exceeding your import. I’d do ONE gallon weekly at the most and only once you get some color on your nitrate test.

I guess I never perceived it as an issue, I guess that is just my old school routine sticking with me.

Crustaceon · Dec 18, 2020

AlexChef said:
I guess I never perceived it as an issue, I guess that is just my old school routine sticking with me.

Less really is more when it comes to saltwater. It’s typically better to sit back and let the tank decide what it wants. Like I said, drop those water changes down to one gallon a week and feed exactly the same as you usually do. I wouldn’t be surprised it nitrates crept up after a few weeks and stopped at around 10ppm, which is fine. In the mean time, I’d dose a little beneficial bacteria daily for the next month. Low nutrients likely hurt that population which is why you’re seeing cyano taking its place.