Had my tank set up for a year and a half and this was my first time testing nitrates not on a strip. So i purchased salifert testing kit and its reading 15. Not too bad but i want to start getting into SPS. I have a RBTA and some LPS and soft corals but never got SPS because i didnt test often and heard theyre pretty hard to keep. I have a HOB refugium with some chaeto, a red sea skimmer, and a penguin wheel filter. I do water changes every 2 weeks, will probably start doing them weekly. What else can i do to lower nitrates so i can finally get into SPS?
First time testing nitrates
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Bob Escher
Welcome to Saltwater
Feed less, use a reducer like Red Sea's NO3/POX
Pedr
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Yeah I'd be curious how big of switch you see with weekly water changes. I've had a lot of people recommend 5-10% water changes weekly. I have a 75 gallon mixed reef and I do 5 gallons a week and have had good success. I'd check what your skimmer is rated for as well. Often times figuring out if its suitable for light, moderate or heavy bioload for your size aquarium makes a huge difference. Also I'd see if you can get some frags of some montipora. Great SPS entry and the basic red monti cap can live in most water and lighting in my experience.
I had an eshopps skimmer rated for a 150 i think but it started leaking real bad so i got rid of it. I think the skimmer im using now is only rated for a 40 gal. Ill make sure a better skimmer is the next thing im buying, any you recommend?
