no3:po4-x

[Mitch Green]

I just started dosing with today, anyone else using this product ?

 

[Reef Jeff]

Yes, been using it for quite a while. Great stuff.
The doses they list are for a heavy bioload. Go conservative to start if you have less than a heavy load, and check Nitrates often to see them start to drop. Once you hit 10 ppm, cut back the dose and test daily till you stabilize at your target level. Don't hit zero with NO3 or PO4 if you can prevent it or it is likely to trigger an algae issue. Be prepared to dose NO3 or PO4 if you cannot maintain the target level of one or the other. Both are needed to lower each one. Usually the NO3 drops fast and the PO4 takes longer to drop, but it depends on your system. Don't run GFO when using this product.

Don't leave the lid off by accident. It looses its methanol through evaporation and it seriously reduces its effectiveness.

Also be sure you have really good Nitrate and Phosphate test kits that can test to the low levels. It is almost impossible to manage with kits like API, etc.

 

[saltyhog]

Agree with above. I had a problem with cyano when I used it but in retrospect it was because I went too far with my nitrate reduction.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I use a DIY version, and I'm happy. My suggestion is to slowly come up to your target dose. I believe if you start out at the target dose, you have a better chance of feeding unwanted bacteria.

As far as methanol, it's only present at very low concentrations, and I'm convinced that it's only there because it is the "denatured" component of the alcohol they are using (denatured alcohol is not drinkable, and therefore not subject to the alcohol tax.) I believe methanol is only consumed by anaerobic bacteria. FYI, I have no methanol in my DIY version.

 

[andyg1960]

I agree with starting with a lower dose than listed. Initially i had issues with a bacterial bloom and it was pretty unsightly.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Many people use organic carbon dosing in various forms. I personally prefer vinegar, but NOPOX certainly works and I think organic carbon dosing has benefits beyond nutrients reduction, since the bacteria may feed filter feeders and corals can themselves use some of these organics.

 

[JBKReef]

This is part of the Red Sea Reef Mature Kit, I used it for the program but am debating about continuing for a while to ensure levels stay down. I do not have a large bioload however so I'm being sparse