Forced Bare

[AJreefs]

I just Siphoned out all my sand and cleaned all my pumps six months into my build as nitrates started to creep up to ten. This made me curious; how many of you out there went to a bare bottom tank due to an increase in nitrates? Have you stayed with a bare bottom system or some up with a different solution?!

 

[ritter6788]

4 years running on my tank with the same 2+inch sand bed. That being said, I'm fighting a bit of cyano now so maybe it's time?

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

I like the look of sand, you just need to keep shallow beds clean.

 

[AJreefs]

I'm really thinking of just adding some starboard and foregoing the sand altogether. I was hoping to hear from a few people that have give through this for some guidance but maybe it isn't as common as I assumed

 

[dsmhero]

6 months is still a new tank. Kind of a drastic measure and a good probability that it is NOT the cause of your nitrates.

 

[AJreefs]

I wish I had a camera to post pictures of my tank; I couldnt figure it out, no algae and a clean looking tank. I only had to clean the glass once or twice a week, then, I performed weekly maintnance and always kept the sump clean of detritus, filter socks are cheanged every three days. Some how my local fish store kept finding nitrates in my water as of last week, I tested monthly for nitrates, first time I have had an issue. Only thing I could imagine was something burried in the sand was causing my issue.

 

[dsmhero]

Or because their test kit was inaccurate. Where were you getting your water? How much are you feeding?

 

[MyReefToYours]

Normally your nitrates increasing like this 6 months in is due to something else. A lot of time stuff will get caught up in rock where there isn't enough flow and your trates will rise do to that. I have a powerhead dedicated to my DT and twice a week I blow all the rock down. It makes a storm but it makes a big difference. I also feed very little and it helps as well. Best of luck to you!

 

[BCT182]

I have a starboard bottom and just added a shallow sand bed. Momma thinks BB is ugly and she's been baiting me with a blue spotted jawfish so I finally gave in.

 

[AJreefs]

Or because their test kit was inaccurate. Where were you getting your water? How much are you feeding?

I make my water with Rodi and D&D h20; I had them test both my RoDI and tanks water. Haveing them test the RoDi and tank water is a good non random sample to verify their kits are correct.

Normally your nitrates increasing like this 6 months in is due to something else. A lot of time stuff will get caught up in rock where there isn't enough flow and your trates will rise do to that. I have a powerhead dedicated to my DT and twice a week I blow all the rock down. It makes a storm but it makes a big difference. I also feed very little and it helps as well. Best of luck to you!

Yes sir, you could very well be right, I will try using my maxi jet to clean those rocks every week. I have two MP 40's with fine grade sand which wasnt a good combination so that played a large part in the decision. I like lots of flow and a 40 breeder with two mp 40 's is put to best use when your not making sandstorms. So on the chance something was in the sand I wanted to eliminate that variable. If the issue persists then I know I need to be looking elsewhere. I keep reaching out in different threads for feedback but have recieved such varied responses that I think I should eliminate one variable at a time and observe before altering another.

thanks for your help