NOPOX

[Steve Wallace]

I've read a number of posts on NOPOX, but wanted to start a new one specific to my scenario. My tank has been set up for 11 months and the only I'm trying to figure out is the Nitrate issue. I do feed a lot and have a good skimmer which I empty about twice per week.

I currently have the following parameters:
1.025
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 50-60
Phosphate: 0.02

For the first few months, my Nitrates climbed from 0 - 30 and stayed at 30 for about 3.5 months. I never had ANY algae issues and just relied on water changes.

Starting in about August of this year, my Nitrates went up to 50-60 and have stayed there ever since. I use the following for Nitrate control: Chemipure Blue, Phosban, Skimmer and water changes (once every 3 weeks). My bioload is not too heavy as almost every fish is smaller than 3 inches.

On August 29th I started dosing the maximum NOPOX per their instructions. After 1.5 months with absolutely no sign of my Nitrates going down, I reached out to Red Sea and gave them the breakdown. I was told that I needed to remove Phosban in order for the NOPOX to start working. I did that about three weeks ago and continued to use Chemipure Blue, Skimmer and water change. I just tested and my Nitrates haven't gone down at all.

I have read, spoken with and gathered enough information from LFS owners, other reefers, etc who swear by NOPOX. This is my last attempt to get this product to work and I'm asking for help to identify if I'm doing somethingn wrong or if this product has in fact failed for some people.

 

[ruskimax]

Dirty sand bed by chance? Had some issues too, took me quite a while to get N under control w carbon dosing. Once I took my sand out however, things quickly became much more manageable (and enjoyable again).

 

[Steve Wallace]

Dirty sand bed by chance? Had some issues too, took me quite a while to get N under control w carbon dosing. Once I took my sand out however, things quickly became much more manageable (and enjoyable again).

I do clean the sand when I do the water changes. Are you saying that you completely took your sand out? Thanks.

 

[redfishbluefish]

For NOPOX to work (or for that fact, any carbon dosing) you need both nitrates and phosphates. The bacteria consume these in a certain ratio while they are multiplying. If one or the other is in short supply, it won't work....bacteria stop / slow down their growth. Looks like your phosphates are the limiting factor.

 

[Graffiti Spot]

So basically your starting from the beginning AFTER you start dosing a little phosphates. Careful because your nitrates will start to go down, also there will become a point where you won’t need to dose po4 anymore most likely.

 

[Steve Wallace]

Should I start dosing Phosphates? If so, what should I use?

 

[IslandLifeReef]

Should I start dosing Phosphates? If so, what should I use?

I agree with @redfishbluefish, the problem is really PO4. You are phosphate limited. Dosing PO4 will help the NOPOX reduce the NO3. SeaChem makes a popular product.

On another note, your NO3 shouldn't get that high unless there is a source for the NO3. You should reduce the amount that you feed.

 

[tank of gems]

Brightwell aquatics sells a chemical to sdd phosphates. Brs sells it

 

[ruskimax]

Some Reef Roids are great for bumping phosphates, if youre dosing this increased waste import shouldn't be much of an issue as once the bacteria reach a certain population they really do work on N/P. And along w the P that you would be providing, you'll give them fatty acids and carotenoids not found in phosphate dosing products. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!!

 

[Steve Wallace]

Some Reef Roids are great for bumping phosphates, if youre dosing this increased waste import shouldn't be much of an issue as once the bacteria reach a certain population they really do work on N/P. And along w the P that you would be providing, you'll give them fatty acids and carotenoids not found in phosphate dosing products. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!!

Thanks. I have been dosing Reef Roids weekly. Do you think I should bump it to twice or three times per week?