high no3 in biocube 32

[Cnidoblast]

My nitrate is at 40 PPM and I am planning on doing a massive water change tomorrow morning - I am wondering if running a tiny amount of zeovit in a reactor would be a way of preventing future nitrate spikes as I do not have a skimmer

 

[FlyinBryan]

I had the same issue in mine. I add about 10-15 marinepure balls. It reduced them significantly for me. I like them and helped to reduce no3. I use them in all my tanks and have good success. It was the lowest cost and most effective way to reduce No3. Good luck!!

 

[TbyZ]

My nitrate is at 40 PPM and I am planning on doing a massive water change tomorrow morning - I am wondering if running a tiny amount of zeovit in a reactor would be a way of preventing future nitrate spikes as I do not have a skimmer

zeos will certainly control NO3 because, apparently, it adsorbs, or absorbs ammonia. It also provides a surface for nitrifying & denitrifying bacteria. But it must be renewed regularly.

You don't need a skimmer to use zeos, but you do need a skimmer if you are carbon dosing.

 

[Cnidoblast]

I added a good amount of loose Eheim SUBSTRAT Pro Biological Filtration Media to the back of my tank about 2 months ago- I wonder if that's doing more harm than good?

I am wondering if i should remove some during tomorrows water change?

 

[TbyZ]

I added a good amount of loose Eheim SUBSTRAT Pro Biological Filtration Media to the back of my tank about 2 months ago- I wonder if that's doing more harm than good?

I am wondering if i should remove some during tomorrows water change?

Eheim doesn't claim that the product de-nitrifyies, only provides nitrification, so the end product is nitrate NO3.
The best substance, such as a good calcium carbonate rock, provides nitrification & de-nitrification. That is key; both take place at the same location.

 

[Cnidoblast]

so should I try taking some out?

 

[TbyZ]

so should I try taking some out?

Probably, but it depends on what other filtration you currently have now? And don't underestimate the importance of flow winin the display tank.

 

[Cnidoblast]

i only run purigen - the thing is the media balls are at the bottom of the tank back and I think this is causing stagnation - I hope the balls are light enough to be sucked out with a gravel vac!

 

[TbyZ]

i only run purigen - the thing is the media balls are at the bottom of the tank back and I think this is causing stagnation - I hope the balls are light enough to be sucked out with a gravel vac!

Can I ask, do you have live rock in the display? Do you have a sump or HOB, or canister filter running your system?
How do you use the Purigen? in a bag or reactor?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

My nitrate is at 40 PPM and I am planning on doing a massive water change tomorrow morning - I am wondering if running a tiny amount of zeovit in a reactor would be a way of preventing future nitrate spikes as I do not have a skimmer

Zeovit means the zeolite they employ? If so, I think you'd be better off using a small amount of a specific denitrifying media.

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

I like this:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/poor-man-nutrients-control-donovans-nitrate-destroyer.302685/

That would be my suggestion.

 

[TbyZ]

I like this:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/poor-man-nutrients-control-donovans-nitrate-destroyer.302685/

That would be my suggestion.

seems to be a lot of mucking around to me?

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

Hmm,.. up to you to decide but for me, I didn't think so. I think it gives a specific place where anerobic and aerobic bacteria can thrive. You're basically doing the same thing:

...The best substance, such as a good calcium carbonate rock, provides nitrification & de-nitrification. That is key; both take place at the same location.

Instead of relying on chance and hoping that bacteria will settle and colonize by supplying an appropriate substrate like a porous rock, an ideal environment is created seeded and can be maintained. I do this but if you're not feeling it, that's fine. Maybe keep trying what you're doing and it could be something to think about in the future if you don't get the results you need?

 

[TbyZ]

Hmm,.. up to you to decide but for me, I didn't think so. I think it gives a specific place where anerobic and aerobic bacteria can thrive. You're basically doing the same thing:

Instead of relying on chance and hoping that bacteria will settle and colonize by supplying an appropriate substrate like a porous rock, an ideal environment is created seeded and can be maintained. I do this but if you're not feeling it, that's fine. Maybe keep trying what you're doing and it could be something to think about in the future if you don't get the results you need?

I use an algae scrubber and have found it to be very effective in regards to NO3 & PO4 export. Just grow the algae, harvest it, have a beer.

 

[cmcoker]

I've got cheato in the back chamber with an led light shining though the back on my biocube 16. Keeps my nutrients in check.

 

[Cnidoblast]

Interesting methods everyone! My nitrates are now sub 5ppm from doing a 12 gallon water change! I will be purchasing zeovit media soon

 

[TbyZ]

Interesting methods everyone! My nitrates are now sub 5ppm from doing a 12 gallon water change! I will be purchasing zeovit media soon

do go too low with the nitrates. aim for 1ppm to 5ppm

 

[Cnidoblast]

So zeovit is pretty potent stuff eh? how mutch should I put into a mesh filter bag for my 32 gal biocube? 100 grams or less?