High NO3, low PO4. Help my lowering NO3

[reefin_with_the_fam]

Hey Reef2Reef fam! Need some direction and help. I’ve finally gotten into the habit of testing NO3 and PO4 a few times a week, and my NO3 is 61 ppm

I have my PO4 dialed in to around 0.04-0.09 using GFO.

The question is, how can I lower my NO3? I’ve been looking at NOPOX, but will that lower my PO4 as well? Any help, direction, and experience is greatly appreciated!

 

[blaxsun]

Yes, NOPOX can lower your PO4 as well - which is why they usually recommend not running GFO when using NOPOX.

What do you run for filtration? Skimmer?

 

[reefin_with_the_fam]

Yes, NOPOX can lower your PO4 as well - which is why they usually recommend not running GFO when using NOPOX.

What do you run for filtration? Skimmer?

Running a skimmer and Reefmat currently. So should I cease GFO and just go NOPOX for a bit?

 

[blaxsun]

Running a skimmer and Reefmat currently. So should I cease GFO and just go NOPOX for a bit?

Interesting. You could - that’s one option. Are you running any bio media?

 

[DE FISH]

Large water change 50%+ and/or carbon dosing ie nopox, vodka or vinegar I would take it slow as your system has probably adjusted to the high no3.

 

[Spare time]

Carbon dosing (i.e. nopox; alternatively biopellets) is pretty effective at lowering nitrates without doing too much for phosphate. Macroalgae would be another options and may allow you to not have to use gfo.

 

[reefin_with_the_fam]

Interesting. You could - that’s one option. Are you running any bio media?

I have some bio bricks in the sump. The Reefmat has only been online for about a month now, so maybe it just needs some more time?

 

[reefin_with_the_fam]

Large water change 50%+ and/or carbon dosing ie nopox, vodka or vinegar I would take it slow as your system has probably adjusted to the high no3.

If I go the carbon dosing route how slow would you recommend? I’ve seen 1/3 the initial recommended dose for NOPOX thrown around the forums a bit.

 

[reefin_with_the_fam]

Carbon dosing (i.e. nopox; alternatively biopellets) is pretty effective at lowering nitrates without doing too much for phosphate. Macroalgae would be another options and may allow you to not have to use gfo.

I’d love to do some macro, but I’ve never had luck with it for some reason. It always just comes apart in my sump (chaeto that is).

 

[DE FISH]

If I go the carbon dosing route how slow would you recommend? I’ve seen 1/3 the initial recommended dose for NOPOX thrown around the forums a bit.

Super low up to a 1/4 of the recommended dose

 

[reefin_with_the_fam]

Super low up to a 1/4 of the recommended dose

For how long? 2-3 weeks at a 1/4? Test during obviously, and slowly ramp up a small percentage a week or every couple weeks?

 

[DE FISH]

For how long? 2-3 weeks at a 1/4? Test during obviously, and slowly ramp up a small percentage a week or every couple weeks?

Yup exactly that

 

[reefin_with_the_fam]

Yup exactly that

And I assume I should halt my GFO reactor? Thanks btw for the suggestions!

 

[ZoWhat]

No3 could be coming from overfeeding combined with inefficient skimming

 

[ZoWhat]

Carbon dosing (i.e. nopox; alternatively biopellets) is pretty effective at lowering nitrates without doing too much for phosphate. Macroalgae would be another options and may allow you to not have to use gfo.

Nopox is basically ethanol (like 80proof vodka) with vinegar. If you jump over the RHF forums you can make your own recipe off what's listed there

I believe the basic formula is:
2 part 80 proof vodka
1 part 5% Vinegar
Rest RODI at (?) amt