needing help with nitrates

[bknapp]

I don't know much about vodka dosing regiments so just follow what you know.

As far as that Skimmer goes I'd look for other users reviews and remember that skimmers aren't as effective as we think.

I personally wouldn't want my nitrates up around 10 or above but that's dependant on what types of corals you're keeping as well.

 

[05grandprix]

I've not had this issue on my bigger tanks but now that I condensed down I've got the problem

 

[bknapp]

I've not had this issue on my bigger tanks but now that I condensed down I've got the problem

How big is your blue hippo?

You've condensed down a larger tanks bioload into a smaller tank. Remember, the solution to pollution is dilution.

 

[pickupman66]

Um.... what did u say phosphate is testing at? If zero.. then it may be an issue of not having that for the bacteria to consume as well for nitrate reduction. I know with products like Ecobak you need both and it is a 10:1 nitrate: phosphate reduction.

 

[05grandprix]

I've not had this issue on my bigger tanks but now that I condensed down I've got the problem

 

[05grandprix]

Hippo is about 6 or 7 inches. Not checked phosphate

 

[Defective_Weeble]

How much flow is in the tank? What's your CUC like? I'm seeing people with dirty rockwork to blame more and more often. The hippo is definitely a messy eater and pooper, but don't underestimate the dirty when it comes to clowns. Those dudes will eat everything you put in front of them and they'll poop everywhere.

Have you taken a turkey baster to the rocks? If not, try it. See how much crap blows out of them. If you're finding a lot, think about adjusting/adding flow in the tank. While rocks are important for filtration, they're also detritus traps. The Red Sea systems are wonderful, but their AIO chambers don't allow for a lot of room to make up for dirty rock work. I ask about the CUC because it's entirely possible that adding a handful of hermits could help solve the problem too.

 

[05grandprix]

I should probably add more of a CUC I believe I'm not even at a minimum I have about 15 blue legs 7 red legs, only about 4 or snails. I didn't even think about that. Flow wise I have cobalt 1200 maxi jets for return and then 2 hydo Korralia 1150 gph. Just ordered 2 more
No not taken a turkey baster to rocks figured that the Korralia would blow enough since I also take a maxi jet and blow rocks off every 3rd water change and nothing comes off. Big difference going from a 150 gallon to this red sea

 

[roadrashpaul]

I am having some nitrate problems as well. I have basically no cuc so I am going to be adding that and I am going to add an algae scrubber. Between both of those I hope to bring my nitrates down and get some better corals. Mine constantly stay in the 20-30 range.

 

[Defective_Weeble]

For what it's worth, gents, I'd love to have your problem. I switched over to this 120 and I can't seem to get it to break 0 on nitrates. Suffice it to say, the corals ain't happy.

 

[bknapp]

For what it's worth, gents, I'd love to have your problem. I switched over to this 120 and I can't seem to get it to break 0 on nitrates. Suffice it to say, the corals ain't happy.

Did you use all new water?

 

[pickupman66]

in testing my tank last night because my Acans look like crap, I tested Zero nitrates on my Salifert and .04 Phosphate on the Hannah. Looks like I need to feed more and get some target feedings going on.

 

[Defective_Weeble]

Yeah. Which was a mistake, obviously. But I was only at 0.25 nitrates in my 40 anyway. So diluting it down may not have made any difference even if I used all of the water.

 

[bknapp]

Yeah. Which was a mistake, obviously. But I was only at 0.25 nitrates in my 40 anyway. So diluting it down may not have made any difference even if I used all of the water.

I personally think that using all new water when upgrading causes more problems than what people realize.

 

[Defective_Weeble]

Would definitely agree. If I were a smart man I'd have transferred over all the old water that I could.