How to increase nitrate?

Yuen · Oct 26, 2016

I have a sump with 2L seachem matrix + bubble magus curve 9 for 270Liter tank - 5 fish + multiple sps

Recently tested with salifert test kit .. the nitrate test show clear color with very tint of pink.

I was suspect protein skimmer was too big , but I have another tank facing same problem with very small protein skimmer. Now I suspect the matrix are the one strip off the nitrate ..

Any suggestions how can I bring up the nitrate level? ( The tank is dosing redsea Reef energy 2ml /day /each)
Shall I reduce the seachem matrix? Is bio-pellet have better control ?

Looking forward for all the sharing.
Thank you

spscubed · Oct 26, 2016

Wow its like you are describing my tank only differences I have a skims skimmer also oversized for my tank and I does with red sea reef energy 3 mL per day

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 26, 2016

Yes, removing some of the seachem matrix may well help. There's no reason to keep it, IMO, if nitrate is too low.

beaslbob · Oct 26, 2016

I would be tempted to use calcium nitrate (from feed and seed/garden places).

A very small amount will kick up nitrate to 5PPM or so plus help out on calcium as well.

my .02

Yuen · Nov 1, 2016

beaslbob said:
I would be tempted to use calcium nitrate (from feed and seed/garden places).

A very small amount will kick up nitrate to 5PPM or so plus help out on calcium as well.

my .02

Sound challenging... Keep me posted how the test result..