Help - Battling Nitrates for 6 months.

[ckalupa]

Agree @Randy Holmes-Farley. I was not sure on the mechanism (thanks for sharing this!) but I have experimented with both of these and saw a gentle descent on nitrates/phos over time. Notable Daily reductions though. On one trial Nitrates went from like 40 to 3 over about 10 days. Was not a real scientific-method test. Also not a quick cure. I suspect it is similar to nopox which I am getting ready to experiment with as a control as my algae fuge does not seem to keep it all in check alone.

 

[Tom Stevens]

Have you considered adding bacteria? I am thinking you might want to experiment with products like zeobak along with coral snow. I had some success using those two products even though I do not use zeovit method. Just a thought.

 

[ShadowR55]

Have you tried Vibrant? It will reduce your nitrates for sure.

 

[Ruben Sacramento]

So should I put them in the sump? Like two baskets one with pond and one with denitrate? High or Low (asking cuz I was thinking putting a powerhead down in the sump?

In regards to the bacteria I have 2 liters of Brightwell Macrobacter7. Can I use that instead?

Do use baskets.
Denitrate has to be put on a low flow zone (less than 50gph). Now the thing I love about pond matrix is that It can be put anywhere, mine on a 1300LPH zone and works wonders.
Considering bacteria, any product should do as long as keep your daily dosing. You can do double the recommended dosage as you are trying to help to colonize the pond matrix asap. I dosed bacteria right on the matrix and it would eventually flow to the denitrate and help there also.

 

[Ruben Sacramento]

This is how I've been running (don't mind the phosphate I only have LPS and softies)

 

[johnbr]

Have you considered adding bacteria? I am thinking you might want to experiment with products like zeobak along with coral snow. I had some success using those two products even though I do not use zeovit method. Just a thought.

Have you tried Vibrant? It will reduce your nitrates for sure.

Do use baskets.
Denitrate has to be put on a low flow zone (less than 50gph). Now the thing I love about pond matrix is that It can be put anywhere, mine on a 1300LPH zone and works wonders.
Considering bacteria, any product should do as long as keep your daily dosing. You can do double the recommended dosage as you are trying to help to colonize the pond matrix asap. I dosed bacteria right on the matrix and it would eventually flow to the denitrate and help there also.

This is how I've been running (don't mind the phosphate I only have LPS and softies)

I've just setup pond matrix in one of my reactors and settle the denitrate in a basket right below the matrix reactor. I haven't tried Vibrant but, I could give it a shot.

In regards to bacteria should I use Nitrifying or Denitrifying? Randy early stated both are completely different.

 

[ShadowR55]

I've just setup pond matrix in one of my reactors and settle the denitrate in a basket right below the matrix reactor. I haven't tried Vibrant but, I could give it a shot.

In regards to bacteria should I use Nitrifying or Denitrifying? Randy early stated both are completely different.

Vibrant is a bacteria. You already have nitrifying bacteria since your tank has been up for a while. Vibrant claims to work by adding “good” bacteria to your system. Just don’t over do it, follow the directions and only dose once every week or two.

 

[johnbr]

Vibrant is a bacteria. You already have nitrifying bacteria since your tank has been up for a while. Vibrant claims to work by adding “good” bacteria to your system. Just don’t over do it, follow the directions and only dose once every week or two.

Also Seachem have that Remediation that also claims to dissolves and break down nitrates.

Have you heard about it?

 

[ShadowR55]

Also Seachem have that Remediation that also claims to dissolves and break down nitrates.

Have you heard about it?

I have not

 

[Ruben Sacramento]

Also Seachem have that Remediation that also claims to dissolves and break down nitrates.

Have you heard about it?

Just googled about remediation and from what I've read Remediation and Sead are good bets. I'm going to try out both as they have new bacteria strains and I'm all about diversity.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Also Seachem have that Remediation that also claims to dissolves and break down nitrates.

Have you heard about it?

It is adding bacteria that consume organics and nitrate. You likely have these already, but adding more is not likely a problem if you want to try it.

 

[Neoalchemist]

How low? Below 0.01 ppm? If so, it is likely limiting algae growth. You might consider dosing some phosphate if you want algae uptake to lower nitrate.

+1 on this.