Nitrates, filter media, cycles and all the things

[DanielJameS]

I have what seems to be a simple question I can't seem to find a direct answer to despite searching and reading as much as I have...

In the case of HOB filters (which I know have potential to be a nitrate factory) that are running on a tank with substantial live rock, is it safe to remove the main sponge after the tank is clearly through its main cycle? I am starting to suspect the main sponge in the filter I'm currently running despite being cleaned once a week is a good source of my nitrate issue though I am hesitant to remove it entirely for fear I will be removing my largest colony of good bacteria. Is it safe to assume at this point that the LR in my tank has established enough good bacteria to remove the HOB sponge without causing a spike in ammonia and subsequent cycle?

I am in the process of completing my sump/fuge and will get that running as money allows ASAP but in the meantime I want to determine if this sponge is causing my nitrates to rise without causing any type of major upset to the tank.

Thanks!
Dan

 

[Waters]

Yes, you can remove the main sponge as long as there is sufficient amount of live rock to support the bio-load. If you are cleaning the sponge once a week, I doubt that is the cause of your nitrates though.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I agree, removing the sponge is fine, but may not make a noticeable difference one way or the other.

 

[DanielJameS]

So I guess with that said, it's likely my bioload is overwhelming the bio filter? which of course is my fail...though I thought for that size tank and the type/size fish I have I wouldn't be running into that as drastically as I am.

 

[Waters]

No, I wouldn't say your bioload is overwhelming your bio filter...it sounds like is working just fine if you have high nitrates (although there are instances where nitrates are converted into nitrogen gas and dispersed through the water surface) It sounds more like your water change schedule needs to be changed and done more frequently or by removing more water at each change.