Nitrates / Phosphates Decreasing

[tdburchett]

My phosphates have been really low since I started my tank (at or below 0.01 ppm), and now my nitrates have been slowly decreasing for months and are now lower than 1 ppm, all measured with Salifert tests. I increased feeding, but both have stayed low. I think my filtration might be “too good”. On my IM20, I am running a bag of Chemipure Blue, a protein skimmer, and a mini refugium with chaeto. Between the three, which would you recommend to remove/turn off to prevent nitrates/phosphates from going to zero and inviting the dreaded Dinos? Thanks.

 

[vetteguy53081]

My phosphates have been really low since I started my tank (at or below 0.01 ppm), and now my nitrates have been slowly decreasing for months and are now lower than 1 ppm, all measured with Salifert tests. I increased feeding, but both have stayed low. I think my filtration might be “too good”. On my IM20, I am running a bag of Chemipure Blue, a protein skimmer, and a mini refugium with chaeto. Between the three, which would you recommend to remove/turn off to prevent nitrates/phosphates from going to zero and inviting the dreaded Dinos? Thanks.

Increase feeding amount without over feeding

 

[Jesse571]

My phosphates have been really low since I started my tank (at or below 0.01 ppm), and now my nitrates have been slowly decreasing for months and are now lower than 1 ppm, all measured with Salifert tests. I increased feeding, but both have stayed low. I think my filtration might be “too good”. On my IM20, I am running a bag of Chemipure Blue, a protein skimmer, and a mini refugium with chaeto. Between the three, which would you recommend to remove/turn off to prevent nitrates/phosphates from going to zero and inviting the dreaded Dinos? Thanks.

I had the same problem and just shut down the refugium and that worked for me.

 

[sneekapeek]

Take out the chemipure. Save your money on corals!

 

[Tired]

Definitely take out the chemipure. That's best only used when actually needed. If that doesn't do it, take off the protein skimmer. The mini 'fuge is probably good for pods, though you could remove some of the chaeto to reduce its impact.

 

[mdb_talon]

Agree with removing the chemipure. I would always leave the refugium online it provides a lot of benefits not having to do with nutrient export and once it setup it is free.

Feeding more is always a good option in my opinion as well. I just think that chemipure is great when needed but a waste of money to run 24/7 unless it really is needed.

 

[CoralsAnonymous]

I would agree with the chemipure removal but question about fish amount in the system. When you mention feeding, is this of the corals, fish, and/or inverts?