Nitrate Reduction in AIO

[AJsReef]

Duplicate post

 

[Gtinnel]

Don't you think there's an underlying issue tho? Just an honest question

I know this question wasn't directed at me but carbon dosing is just another way to increase nutrient export. Do you view all forms of nutrient export as a band aid. What makes it so much different than a skimmer, refugium, water changes, algea scrubber, etc?

 

[Newguy101]

EExc

Its not any more of a bandaid than a refugium or water changes. In the ocean there is a constant carbon source that helps complete the nitrogen cycle, most of our tanks are very carbon limited and so the nitrogen cycle stops at nitrites turning into nitrates. By adding a carbon source, you’re allowing some nitrates to be converted to nitrogen which then gasses off, and some nitrates are removed as bacterial biomass by the skimmer (and eaten by corals/filter feeders). The latter type of removal (bacterial biomass) is the exact same concept as a growing macroalgae, you’re encouraging the growth of biomass (whether algae or bacteria) which consumes and holds nitrates (and to a lesser extent phosphates), which are then removed through skimming or through pruning back your macroalgae. You’re removing stuck nitrates as biomass.

There may be an underlying issue of over feeding or lack of water changes or proper nutrient export, but carbon dosing is a natural way of keeping nitrates in check.

Excellent response. Valid points. Thanks!

 

[Gtinnel]

Sorry double post
@MaxTremors beat me to the point anyway

 

[Newguy101]

Sorry double post
@MaxTremors beat me to the point anyway

Like i said, he has very valid points. I completely understand the processes behind it. But also, how can I have 0 nitrates consistently in a 25 gallon AIO, with 3 fish, no skimmer, and a 40% WC once every 3 weeks or so. My reasoning would be i have a crapton of coral using up available nitrates and Phosphates immediately and not allowing them to build up. Im not saying there is an issue with using different forms of nutrient export, I just personally think if you balance things, all these needs for a bunch of different nutrient export methods isn't always necessary. Sometimes yes, but not always.

 

[Gtinnel]

Like i said, he has very valid points. I completely understand the processes behind it. But also, how can I have 0 nitrates consistently in a 25 gallon AIO, with 3 fish, no skimmer, and a 40% WC once every 3 weeks or so. My reasoning would be i have a crapton of coral using up available nitrates and Phosphates immediately and not allowing them to build up. Im not saying there is an issue with using different forms of nutrient export, I just personally think if you balance things, all these needs for a bunch of different nutrient export methods isn't always necessary. Sometimes yes, but not always.

Sorry I didn't notice any of those posts until after I posted mine.

I agree that a lot of nutrient export isn't always necessary, but in the OP's case it seems like it is if they can't keep them down otherwise. If they're not increasing export in some way their only other option is the reduce the nutrients going into the tank. Feeding the fish and corals less is usually the less desirable solution in my opinion.

As for your tank I'd guess it has more to do with how much denitrifying bacteria you have in your tank than how many corals you have.