How to get nitrates up without dosing.

[Tbyram]

I am running a fuge. I pruned the cheato about a week ago. Thanks for more ideas.

 

[Brian W]

My nitrates went up to 5ppm after I took the skimmer offline for a month. I use the Triton method so I also do not do water changes.

 

[Mkissane]

Been reefing for 18 months now. I learn so much from these posts. Thanks to everyone for sharing. Most importantly I have learned patience and keeping everything stable. Easier said than done. I feel so bad when I harm anything living in my tank. That said I consistently have undetectable nitrates using the RS test kit. Coral colors are okay but not what they should be. Tried some acros and they all lost color for many months. Finally one day I could see color coming back. Part of it was that I had my Radions way to low. They are now producing 350 par at the top level of the tank. That is helping with bringing out colors. However, I am too afraid to dose anything to increase nitrates. I have recently decided to go longer between filter sock replacements. I was very consistent about changing them twice a week and have decided to go to once per week. If it helps increase nitrates and decrease sock maintenance it will be a win win. I figure this small change won’t have a huge negative impact I will regret. Again, thanks to all the wonderful people for sharing. I love reefing!