Nitrate problems

Feltman · Nov 9, 2014

I have been problems with my corals for a little while including 2 zoa colonies that have been closed for 2 weeks and appear to be reaching out. I recently purchased a more accurate nitrate and phosphate test kit and found them to be .05 phos and 20 ppm nitrate. First I've seen they recommend less then .03 phos is it worth chasing that extra bit or is the .05 acceptable? Now obviously these nitrates are a problem ive been trying to research vodka, bio pellets, zeovit or sulfer reactor. My question is what would u recomend as the most low maintence cheapest route for reducing nitrates.
My system is a 90g mixed reef with 30g sump
Reef octopus skinner rated for 180 and socks in first sump section
Chateo and live rock in middle sump section
Dual gfo/carbon brs reactor and oversized calcium reactor runnin off return pump in last section
Lights are DUI rapidleds

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 10, 2014

I wouldn't be convinced that the water parameters are a problem for soft corals.

So while I think lowering nutrients is a fine plan, I wouldn't necessarily expect it to change any coral problems.

Do you skim? If so, if it were me, I'd initiate a small amount of organic carbon dosing, such as vodka or vinegar.

Reefing Madness · Nov 10, 2014

I agree, those numbers are great! Nothing wrong with either the Nitrate or Phosphate number for LPS or Softies. But if your still wanting to get them down farther I'd go with vodka dosing, as you are already in the low end of the ranges it won't take much to get you to 0.

Feltman · Nov 10, 2014

Well one other thing I added a sabea anemone 2 days ago it dug in fairly quick next to a rock and I came out today and it was about 1/2 the size it had been. Is 20 ppm enough to irritate him or would u say hes still getting used to the tank. He ate mysis yesterday with the rest of my LPS.
And yes I do skim I listed it in the equip it's a reef octupus skimmer rated for 180g(dont remember model number)

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 10, 2014

I don't know if 20 ppm is any issue for the sebae or not, but I think dosing some organic carbon is an OK plan.

phillrodrigo · Nov 10, 2014

I wouldn't go to crazy either on a softie tank. I would try and figure were they are coming from so that they don't start going higher. What is do you do for water changes and how often

Feltman · Nov 10, 2014

I've been doing 15g every 2 weeks for water changes with a 4 stage brs rodi unit and instant ocean reef crystals salt

Feltman · Nov 10, 2014

I have had issues with small algea patches on my sand and tube snails on my rocks(tried picking em off to no avail they continue to return and spread there spider webs around the tank) so I might try reducing nitrates. As far as vodka dosing is there a good guide on here couldn't find any after a quick search. Is there a particular brand that works the best or will any 80 proof work?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 10, 2014

This will help:

Vodka Dosing by 'Genetics' and 'Stony_Corals' - Reefkeeping.com

Feltman · Nov 11, 2014

Thanks for the info def a good read. One last question if I were to take my gfo reactor offline do u think I could use a bio pellet reactor say with a reduced amount of media or would this strip to many nutrients away. Will less media even allow u to control it or will it simply use it at the same pace and just be required to change it more frequently. I love the idea of this vodka dosing but I like the set it and forget it feature of a reactor. Plus I do want to add a few sps pieces in the future.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 11, 2014

When you say less media, you mean fewer biopellets?

Yes, that is a fine way to control the "dose'. Not as easy as adjusting vodka or vinegar, but it should work.