On going problem with Nitrates

jamesm · Nov 13, 2014

I have a 75 gallon FOWLR tank and I have a on going issues with Nitrates. I do a regular 10 gallon water change almost every week. I have done two 50% water changes over the last 3 months. I don't over feed my fish and I don't think the tank is over stocked. The fish in my tank are though all meat eaters. Two Triggers, Imperator Angel, Stars and Stripes puffer (small), Harlequin Tusk, Yellow Tang, and a Red Fire Shrimp. And yes, surprisingly they do not mess with the shrimp at all. Even the Triggers let the shrimp clean them. I have a Red Octopus Skimmer in a good size sump. The nitrates seem to run about 40-80ppm. Was thinking about adding a Nitrate Reactor. I would have to use a out sump one since the Protein Skimmer takes up a lot of room. Any suggestion on a good reactor that does not take up that much room. And do you think that would be a the right direction to take?

jamesm · Nov 13, 2014

I also have a Reef tank BTW.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 13, 2014

FWIW, overfeeding doesn't matter, only the amount of food (and type) added. Nearly every nitrogen atom and phosphorus atom in fish food ends up as ammonia/nitrate and phosphate, regardless of whether it is eaten by a fish or not.

There are many ways to reduce nitrate. These include growing macroalgae, organic carbon dosing (vodka/vinegar/biopellets/etc.), skimming, ATS, and various denitrators. All of these can work well, and using several of them is a fine plan.

These have more:

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Aquarium Chemistry: Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog