michael_cb_125
Active Member
Hello everyone, I have been on standby the last few years due to building a house, etc...
My tank is an Elos 120, which has been running constantly for the last 12 years. Four years ago we built a home, and the tank was transferred without a hiccup.
The first eight years I fought with low nutrients. I am more of an LPS guy and my corals did not really take a liking to undetectable nitrates, so I was a heavy feeder trying to raise nutrient levels. I ran no protein skimmer and performed about a 10% water change every three months. This tank was so simple and basically on autopilot.
The tank has always had what I consider to be a light fish load. A pair of bandit angelfish are all they has ever been in this tank.
Now to current day:
Since the move I opted for a bare bottom system (using black starboard) and added an in sump Tunze skimmer.
Unfortunately I lost my female bandit about three months ago, due to HLLE damage to the mouth from years ago (it finally started to impede feeding).
Here is my issue, since the move I cannot get my nitrates below 50. I have fewer fish, a skimmer, and tons of ceramic media (matrix, ceramic blocks, etc.) and I am back to regular water changes.
So I am scratching my head. I know a sandbed helps with denitrification, but I figured between the skimmer and bio-media everything would even out.
Has anyone had issue with starboard leaching nitrates or anything else for that mater?
Thanks for any assistance!!
~Michael
My tank is an Elos 120, which has been running constantly for the last 12 years. Four years ago we built a home, and the tank was transferred without a hiccup.
The first eight years I fought with low nutrients. I am more of an LPS guy and my corals did not really take a liking to undetectable nitrates, so I was a heavy feeder trying to raise nutrient levels. I ran no protein skimmer and performed about a 10% water change every three months. This tank was so simple and basically on autopilot.
The tank has always had what I consider to be a light fish load. A pair of bandit angelfish are all they has ever been in this tank.
Now to current day:
Since the move I opted for a bare bottom system (using black starboard) and added an in sump Tunze skimmer.
Unfortunately I lost my female bandit about three months ago, due to HLLE damage to the mouth from years ago (it finally started to impede feeding).
Here is my issue, since the move I cannot get my nitrates below 50. I have fewer fish, a skimmer, and tons of ceramic media (matrix, ceramic blocks, etc.) and I am back to regular water changes.
So I am scratching my head. I know a sandbed helps with denitrification, but I figured between the skimmer and bio-media everything would even out.
Has anyone had issue with starboard leaching nitrates or anything else for that mater?
Thanks for any assistance!!
~Michael
