nitrates

[leo2ariesleann@gmail]

Hello, I'm having trouble. I started my tank about 3 years ago

250 gallon predrilled 2 corner over flow

Sump: (not sure how many gallons)

Skimz oval 2100 liters
2 tray holding foam filters
Media bags with activated carbon
Return pump

Tank inhabitants

Long spine sea urchin
Brittle star
Shrimp (can't remember the name red with white legs and spots)
Hermit crab and several snails

I went for roughly a year with out water changes, only topping off.. so about 3 weeks ago I decided I wanted to try again so I tested the water to see where I stand .

PH: 8.2
Amonnia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrates: 160++
Phosphates: 1.0

Since then I have done several water changes and replaced carbon and removed pads twice.. Noticed just over a week ago that I have a new bloom resembles diatoms.
Current water test results
Amonnia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 50
Phosphates: 1.0

Could you give me any tips as far as how often and how much of a water change? Also what would be a good idea of new stuff to add bio pellet reactor, cheata? I also have 4 power heads not sure of the flow rate

 

[jeff williams]

Most people do a 10-20% WC on a regular schedule some peoples WC are less frequent because there tanks load is less or they are running other nutrient removal systems like you mentioned. Try a 10-20% water change every other week and keep measuring find out what your tank needs. You didn't list any corals so with a fowlr tank your nitrates can be a little higher ( not 160) but 20-40 ppm should be ok

 

[jeff williams]

Also forgot to mention the diatoms I'm not an expert on what algae eats what nutrients but I do believe diatoms are from silicates if you're not using Rodi water you added silicates with the WC and the diatoms are using them

 

[Ou8me2]

That sure seems like awful high nitrates for such little life in the tank. You don't mention if you run a skimmer or not or if you have live rock or any sand or substrate. Are you feeding the tank? If you have a substrate do you vacuum it? How often do you change any of the foam or media in the tank? If Feeding how much? When is the last time you cleaned the sump out?

Need lots more information to get the whole picture of the tank to give helpful advice.

 

[leo2ariesleann@gmail]

Also forgot to mention the diatoms I'm not an expert on what algae eats what nutrients but I do believe diatoms are from silicates if you're not using Rodi water you added silicates with the WC and the diatoms are using them

I have a Rodi system but didn't use it for the first water change, it takes so long to catch the wter. I will use it from now on. On the coral I did have coral but after my on going neglect it didn't make it. When,if I get it back in order I want to do a reef with maybe 2 nice sized fish.

 

[oldpaddy]

I like to do weakly 10-15% water changes. If you keep a similar schedule, you'll have your nitrates under control within a month or so. Try to get detritus that's in and on the live rock, and the substrate.

I have a 220gal with approx 30 in the sump.
I use 32gal plastic trash cans for my water changes. One holds the rodi water, and the other one is for removing/mixing water. That way I easily know how much I removed and how much to add.