High Phosphate and Nitrate levels

[ElitePirate]

Hi Friends,

So today I received my Royal Nature test kits. I'm really worried about my Phosphate and Nitrate levels.

KH/Alk is 8-9 so it's ok.
Ammonia is 0 so it;s safe there
Nitrite is 0 also

But Phosphate and Nitrate is way too high around 100. I have to admit that i've been feeding quite a lot - i will cut down that for sure.

I just wanted to know if Phosphate and Nitrate got any connection. It's very weird that all other params ok but only Phosphate and Nitrate very high level. I saw some red sea Phosphate and Nitrate reducing liquid kinda thing. Is it recommended? I will do a weekly water change. Other than that do you know any connection in between these 2? #reefsquad please advice

Thanks

 

[ihavecrabs]

What were the specific values for phosphate and nitrate?

Phosphate range is typically measured from 0.00 to 0.10 ppm (many reefers keep it above 0.10 as well). It can also be measured as Phosphorus which could explain a "100" ppb reading. This translates to 0.31 ppm

Nitrates can definite reach 100ppm though and this could be too high for many sensitive inverts and coral.

Water changes done consistently and done at 10-20% total volume are a great way to work the level down over time. Other methods that are implored are Algae Turf Scrubbers (ATS), more heavy skimming, removal media, etc. Before we jump that far though, lets try and understand the specific readings for your PO4 and NO3.

 

[ElitePirate]

@ihavecrabs thanks for the prompt reply.

Sorry I panicked a little thats why didn't update this thread properly. Let me attach few screenshots.

As you can see phosphate is showing some blue shade. and Nitrate is showing dark pink color which means it's above 100.

I was planning to do 3 things now.

1) Do a 10% water change
2) Use Red sea NO3O4-X to control nitrate and phosphate
3) Use Dr.Tim's waste-away 30day gel to lower nitrates,phosphates

any other suggestion?

#reefsquad

 

[Idoc]

It sounds like your source of high nitrates and phosphate may be due to your over-feeding... which you can control and fix easily. So what foods are you feeding? How much? And how many fish, etc... are you feeding?

How big is your tank? Maybe start simple first before dosing a bunch of stuff. Nitrates are easily reduced with water changes. Try a bigger water change (30% maybe) and reduce feedings. Retest parameters. Then in a few days do another 30% water change. Retest parameters. Just another option to try before dosing... i haven't used those products you are mentioning, so i don't know if there are any other effects from them. I've used phosguard to absorb phosphates while cureing rock with very good success, though.

 

[ElitePirate]

It sounds like your source of high nitrates and phosphate may be due to your over-feeding... which you can control and fix easily. So what foods are you feeding? How much? And how many fish, etc... are you feeding?

How big is your tank? Maybe start simple first before dosing a bunch of stuff. Nitrates are easily reduced with water changes. Try a bigger water change (30% maybe) and reduce feedings. Retest parameters. Then in a few days do another 30% water change. Retest parameters. Just another option to try before dosing... i haven't used those products you are mentioning, so i don't know if there are any other effects from them. I've used phosguard to absorb phosphates while cureing rock with very good success, though.

I'm feeding them marine fish pellet. I have 6 fishes, 2 shrimps and few cleaning crew members. My tank is a nano tank. Just 50L. The thing is i did a 15% water change today, added 1 ml of this product - https://www.redseafish.com/reef-care-program/algae-management-program/no3po4-x/ still nitrate level is above 100

I already have 2 filter medium. Carbon filter and AMPOS medium (screenshot attached) which should technically remove ammonia and phosphate.

 

[WVNed]

It appears you have a 15 gallon tank that is 2 months old or so. I would do a 50% water change and then 20% every 2 or 3 days until nitrates are under 20 and then plan to do 1 a week for a while.
Are you mixing your own water with RO/DI water? You need to so the same tests with your new water and make sure you aren't adding nitrates and phosphates to the tank.

 

[Lloyd Williams]

I'm feeding them marine fish pellet. I have 6 fishes, 2 shrimps and few cleaning crew members. My tank is a nano tank. Just 50L. The thing is i did a 15% water change today, added 1 ml of this product - https://www.redseafish.com/reef-care-program/algae-management-program/no3po4-x/ still nitrate level is above 100

I already have 2 filter medium. Carbon filter and AMPOS medium (screenshot attached) which should technically remove ammonia and phosphate.

It’s not an overnight cure all. NOPOX takes a bit of time to work but it does work.

 

[ElitePirate]

It appears you have a 15 gallon tank that is 2 months old or so. I would do a 50% water change and then 20% every 2 or 3 days until nitrates are under 20 and then plan to do 1 a week for a while.
Are you mixing your own water with RO/DI water? You need to so the same tests with your new water and make sure you aren't adding nitrates and phosphates to the tank.

im not mixing my own water. i normally get my salt mixed water from my LFS. they use red sea salt and prepare the RO water. so im quite sure its nitrates and phosphates free

 

[ihavecrabs]

im not mixing my own water. i normally get my salt mixed water from my LFS. they use red sea salt and prepare the RO water. so im quite sure its nitrates and phosphates free

Might want to test it next time you get a fresh batch.

I agree with the more aggressive water change schedule to assist in lowering nitrates and phosphates.

 

[Reeferdood]

im not mixing my own water. i normally get my salt mixed water from my LFS. they use red sea salt and prepare the RO water. so im quite sure its nitrates and phosphates free

I agree with crabs, don't assume your water is good because it came from the LFS... I would invest in your own RO/DI setup and start making your own water soon. It will save you money and headaches in the long run. Also, carbon dosing does work but I would not recommend doing it on a smaller system, water changes would be a better option IMHO. NOPOX is really powerful stuff and will likely have you chasing your tail to get the numbers you are seeking.

 

[ElitePirate]

thanks i will do more water changes. just wanted to know.. so you guys don't recommend NOPOX ?

 

[Reeferdood]

I don't recommend it to newer reefers that are just starting out and or to smaller systems. Just smell the stuff and you will realize just how powerful it is.... It smells like you could strip the garage floor, a little bit goes a long ways....

 

[dwest]

thanks i will do more water changes. just wanted to know.. so you guys don't recommend NOPOX ?

I would not do nopox. But I would get a rodi unit.

 

[KJa]

Nopox is good at what it does....sometimes too good. It's very effective but saying that you need some nitrates and phosphates in the tank. Nopox can literally wipe out all nitrates and phosphates! I like it. I keep some on hand but I only use it in cases of emergencies. Saying that if you do decide to use it, use less than what the direction say. Maybe even a third of what the directions say. I would recommend what everyone else is saying which is do a massive water change followed by smaller water changes. If it's a new tank you will probably deal with this issue a lot until the tank establishes it's beneficial bacteria population.

 

[ElitePirate]

I don't recommend it to newer reefers that are just starting out and or to smaller systems. Just smell the stuff and you will realize just how powerful it is.... It smells like you could strip the garage floor, a little bit goes a long ways....

yea it smell very strong... like paint thinner smell... im also against the idea that i have to put 1ml every 24hrs. I just bought that because in case of any urgent situation i can use that liquid.

ultimately, i'd like to maintain the level without adding any chemicals. I feel like my filter media is not that good. if its that good, it should filter that properly

 

[ElitePirate]

the only problem is i wont be able to do a massive water change. the max i can do is 25% at any given time because of my aquascaping and coral placements. I don't want them to be exposed (without water). i can do a 25% water change every 2-3 days. That should help right?

 

[Holy_makerel]

Your corals will be fine getting exposed to air for a bit. Happens in nature all the time

 

[fish farmer]

It appears you have a 15 gallon tank that is 2 months old or so. I would do a 50% water change and then 20% every 2 or 3 days until nitrates are under 20 and then plan to do 1 a week for a while.
Are you mixing your own water with RO/DI water? You need to so the same tests with your new water and make sure you aren't adding nitrates and phosphates to the tank.

I second that. Keep up with routine WC's, if you start seeing hair algae and still high nitrates and phosphates, then consider chemical/algal means of reduction.

 

[ElitePirate]

Ok thanks guys really appreciate your input

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

im not mixing my own water. i normally get my salt mixed water from my LFS. they use red sea salt and prepare the RO water. so im quite sure its nitrates and phosphates free

Double check that it is RODI water.
I’d they say it doesn’t matter, it does.
I wouldn’t mix nopox and DT tims. Pick one. Go slow with the Addition of nopox if use it. You may see in increase in cyano.
Nopox is organic carbon dosing. All it does is feed the bacteria making more of the bacteria available and they in turn eat the no3 and Po4. They eat more of the no3.

Also , don’t worry about the no3 and Po4 so much. I can give you links to a LOT of beautiful tanks with stupid high numbers.
If you start to get algaes, use a toothbrush and get more and different types of snails.
WAYYYY ato much emphasis on the numbers nowadays Esp for newer reefers. As you progress In The hobby you’ll refine the skills to keep them down to be a able to keep more nutrient sensitive corals.