Help me understand Red Sea No3 test

[deepsynth]

Hey guys.
Just wanted to run this by the community
Attached is my no3 test for a 240l fowlr tank.
2 clowns
Scopus tank
Fire fish
Cuc crew

firstly what are the numbers ppm or what.

man’s what is an acceptable level. I feel that my clowns aren’t eating my to well and they are sticking to the corners of the tank

thanks

 

[blaxsun]

Yes, ppm. Depends on the tank and numerous other factors, but most try to keep nitrates in the 10-15ppm for mixed reefs. For FOWLR tanks I imagine you'd want it a bit less - probably in the 5-10ppm range. I'd say yours are around 3.5ppm - so totally fine.

 

[deepsynth]

Yes, ppm. Depends on the tank and numerous other factors, but most try to keep nitrates in the 10-15ppm for mixed reefs. For FOWLR tanks I imagine you'd want it a bit less - probably in the 5-10ppm range. I'd say yours are around 3.5ppm - so totally fine.

Ok ok. So I just wanted to make sure 100% that the numbers where 0ppm 1ppm etc. I thought that it could be 10ppm up to 200ppm

so I am assuming this can only be brought down by a water change

 

[blaxsun]

Ok ok. So I just wanted to make sure 100% that the numbers where 0ppm 1ppm etc. I thought that it could be 10ppm up to 200ppm

so I am assuming this can only be brought down by a water change

Water changes will help, but maintaining your filtration is the best way, ie: changing out filter floss or filter socks more frequently, running a fleece roller, protein skimmer, refugium, etc.

The Red Sea kit only goes to 50ppm. The best nitrate kit I've found (other than the Hanna HR nitrate checker) is the Nyos nitrate kit.

 

[deepsynth]

I think that the system might have a increase because of the new addition of the scopus.
So maybe the biological is building up again.
I did change out the floss tester and a 20% water change but it seems to not have made a difference.
im thinking maybe another 20% water change might get it closer to 0
Or should I rather leave it.

I just have noticed a small difference in the clown fish and that worries me. They are sitting in the corners at the surface more then usual and they are not eating as well.

 

[blaxsun]

I'd leave it. Water changes will are the least efficient way of removing nitrates. How is your tank aeration? Are you running any wavemakers or powerheads?

I can't comment on what you're observing with your clownfish, other than to reiterate that you need good oxygenation for your fish.

 

[deepsynth]

I am busy experimenting with surface agitation.
Initially I bought a wave maker that was to strong.
then bought two wave makers which I think are too small.

intially I was running the large wave maker on a 4 min on. 4 min off schedule.

the seemed ok then.