Controling Nitrates for SPS

[marvelousone]

What ways do most use to control Nitrates for SPS only tanks. Are the best way to use macro algae or media. Some people keep levels below 1ppm where as others are above 1ppm. I know everyone has their own opinion. If I want to keep my level at or below 1ppm what method would be easier. If I want to keep it around 5ppm what method. Please tell me what method you use and why. I am not wanting this to turn into a debate. Just trying to learn different ways of raising SPS's.

 

[pdiehm]

What ways do most use to control Nitrates for SPS only tanks. Are the best way to use macro algae or media. Some people keep levels below 1ppm where as others are above 1ppm. I know everyone has their own opinion. If I want to keep my level at or below 1ppm what method would be easier. If I want to keep it around 5ppm what method. Please tell me what method you use and why. I am not wanting this to turn into a debate. Just trying to learn different ways of raising SPS's.

I personally have been using NOPOx. Controlling? it's debatable. NO3 for me in the 3ppm range? maybe a little less?

 

[markalot]

I use a reactor with Seachem Matrix (not the carbon, the white rocks). It took a month or so before I started seeing a reduction.

 

[zachxlutz]

For me: large refugium packed with feather caulerpa and a high PAR, correct spectrum light. It works so well that I have to supplement both NO3 and PO4.

 

[Finhead]

I used about 1.5lbs per gallon of real live rock from previous systems and a shutdown. I also have a Brightwell Xport brick. I have to dose nitrates as they zero out if not, I keep them between 3-4 ppm.

 

[marvelousone]

For me: large refugium packed with feather caulerpa and a high PAR, correct spectrum light. It works so well that I have to supplement both NO3 and PO4.

what light do you use

 

[marvelousone]

I personally have been using NOPOx. Controlling? it's debatable. NO3 for me in the 3ppm range? maybe a little less?

I just started using NOPOx yesterday. Trying to knock nitrates down some.

 

[marvelousone]

I use a reactor with Seachem Matrix (not the carbon, the white rocks). It took a month or so before I started seeing a reduction.

How often do you have to change them out.

 

[zachxlutz]

what light do you use

This bad boy: http://a.co/cdvB5Cx

 

[markalot]

How often do you have to change them out.

Haven't yet, going on 1.5 years.

 

[BoomCorals]

Algae turf scrubber

 

[jda]

My rocks and sand will keep mine at about .01 - low enough that only ICP can read it. Fuge and ATS work great as well.

In an established tank with real/mature live rock and/or at least 2-3 inches of sand, the anoxic areas are machines on nitrate... but this takes time to develop.

 

[bif24701]

I use a mix of plane white sugar and vinegar. 1cup/1gallon. And I have 3 MarinePure Blocks in my sump stood up on end. There is also a large chaeto refugium. This is so effective that I have to add Nitrates in the system from time to time. Also controls PO4, haven’t used GFO in over 2 uears

 

[NewReefer42]

My rocks and sand will keep mine at about .01 - low enough that only ICP can read it. Fuge and ATS work great as well.

In an established tank with real/mature live rock and/or at least 2-3 inches of sand, the anoxic areas are machines on nitrate... but this takes time to develop.

...ICP can't give nitrate levels. metals/metalloids only. Did you mean IC?

 

[jda]

Sorry... too liberal there with my terminology... I did indeed just mean a mail-in test. You are right, it is probably not smart to call them all ICP.