adding calcium nitrates for color of corals question

[Anthony kolodziej]

so ,.... i have a nutrient defficiant system I think . I have not used any form of carbon dosing now for a few months . nitrates undetectable phosphates are 0. corals colors are pale . I just removed a giant solomons toad stool in hopes that would help . while I am seeing minor improvements from that I think I still need to do more . I feed a ton My fish load is about 27 fish in around 350 gallons total volume . I know I can add more fish to get some poop going . the display is a 220 gallon tank . I have a fuge running . which is a 40 breeder with rock and colupra and deep sand bed . So I have 3 questions right now .......

1. what is the formula for dosing calcium nitrates how many grams per gallon of water to system volume per day ? I can use a dosing pump for this or just dump it in ?
2. do I need to add phosphates somehow along with this to keep a balanced system ?
3. should I also be adding amino acids to help corals grow ? if so what can I use with a dosing pump that will stay mixed and not settle to the bottom of a dosing container ?

Thanks in advance , Happy reefing

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Do you have calcium nitrate?

A lot of folks have found potassium nitrate and use that:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/potassium-nitrate-spectracide-stump-remover-dosing-steps.215730/

Amino acids are a fine experiment, but I think most need refrigeration after being opened. I think once a day amino acid dosing is fine.

I'd try the phosphate dosing last. How are you presently measuring it?

 

[Anthony kolodziej]

I am using a milwake photometer for phosphates and an API kits for nitrates , can you recommend an amino acid suppliment ? And yes I have calcium nitrate

 

[Anthony kolodziej]

I think I am getting a false reading . but still , why are the corals pale ?

 

[spscrazy3]

Following

 

[marke]

Dont Amino Acids add Nitrates? Do they all need refrigeration?

 

[JimWelsh]

If you are using API for nitrate, I would suggest using Salifert instead. Much better resolution and sensitivity in the low range. You may have some nitrate, and just not be able to detect it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Dont Amino Acids add Nitrates? Do they all need refrigeration?

Apparently not all do require refrigeration. Brightwell says it doesn't. Two Little Fishies says a cool, shaded, storage location. Aquavitro recommends refrigeration. Perhaps it depends on exactly what is in them. I'd refrigerate them all to be more sure to preserve whatever is in them when you buy them.

Yes, amino acids add nitrogen which, if metabolized, may end up as nitrate.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

To figure dosing of your calcium nitrate, is it anhydrous or the tetrahydrate?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think I am getting a false reading . but still , why are the corals pale ?

Can you post a picture? It will only take a very low level of either N or P (not both) to starve a coral.

 

[Anthony kolodziej]

i'll try to post a picture , I am starting to think I may be wrong on nutrient levels . and leaning more towards the large toadstool having been the problem . I need patience and I don't want to lose the corals . so I feel like I need to act quickly . going to try a dip and wait . But I still may need to dose nitrates at some point so knowing is helpful .

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What type of calcium nitrate, for the calculation? (tetrahydrate vs anhydrous)?

 

[Anthony kolodziej]

hydrate . had to ask the person I got it from sorry for the delay

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

calcium nitrate tetrahydrate is 52.5% nitrate by weight.

So adding 1 gram into 100 gallons (379 L) of aquarium water will boost nitrate by 0.525 x 1 g/379 L = 1.4 mg/L

 

[Anthony kolodziej]

Thanks randy had a feeling you would know the formula

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing.

 

[dewboy1127]

Elos amino acids just in case you want to check out anyways

 

[Anthony kolodziej]

Thanks , I am sure I will eventually be dosing amino acids but need to fix my screw up on this first lol. well the test kit was def wrong . was reading zero and I actually am more like 20-30 now thanks to dosing and not having an accurate kit . ughhh on the up side some of the corals have gotten really nice color . the downside is some corals really don't like high nitrates . I am already seeing improvement but it will be a while I am sure . nothing good happens fast in this hobby .

 

[SaltEverywhere]

@Anthony kolodziej, @beaslbob. What calcium nitrate source did you decide upon? I am a little nervous about dosing just any old fertilizer in my tank. If you have a supplier with a pure product that doesn't kill fish I'd love to hear it because my best search terms are not giving me anyone's recommended brands. Also, since these posts are a year old, any updates on your experience with dosing nitrate?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

@Anthony kolodziej, @beaslbob. What calcium nitrate source did you decide upon? I am a little nervous about dosing just any old fertilizer in my tank. If you have a supplier with a pure product that doesn't kill fish I'd love to hear it because my best search terms are not giving me anyone's recommended brands. Also, since these posts are a year old, any updates on your experience with dosing nitrate?

There are hobby brands and online food grades of nitrate that will be fine.

For example:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/222604...dad3f76b6d6f&gclid=COXextOB_NECFR1WDQodP0kMJw