Sock filter changing and low nutrients?

[mcgallagherc]

Please help me understand, have a 48x24x24. Sock filter in sump, to change or not to change weekly?

Nitrate- 2-5
PO4- undectable
Calcium- 400
Alk- 8.9

Sock filter helps clean bad stuff from tank correct? If I don't change frequent nutrients should rise? Clean filter will remove nutrients?

I know this is a 3rd grade question to the experienced here but forgive me, I'm still very green.

 

[Geebs19]

You are right. If you aren’t removing what the sock is catching it will stay in the water column. If you have a skimmer it may catch it.

 

[shootingstar_reef]

I just changed mine when the water wouldn't flow through anymore

 

[mcgallagherc]

You are right. If you aren’t removing what the sock is catching it will stay in the water column. If you have a skimmer it may catch it.

I haven't changed the sock in almost 2 weeks, I turned off skimmer for 5 days hoping to see higher nutrients but have had no luck.

 

[Geebs19]

Assuming you are trying to raise phosphates?

 

[mcgallagherc]

Torch not looking good past few weeks, meat coral I moved to a darker location.

Yes, can't detect any phosphates using salifert test kit. Was advised the low phosphates would play factor

 

[Geebs19]

That could be a reason, I know with my acros if my phophates hit 0 they will start to lose color and my torches close up a bit. I just end up feeding more and keep an eye on my nitrates. The are many threads you can look into about just raising phosphates .

 

[Heather Kastory]

If you do not change it out the waste will convert to higher nutrients. Your nitrates will raise. Better option is dose phosphates and change filter socks.. then test.

 

[mcgallagherc]

I spoke with guy who cares for my tank at work that set up my home system. He suggested feeding more first. I started that tonight, I just didn't think to ask him about the sock filter. I'll leave it be for another week, feed a little more and hopefully see a rise.

 

[Reef.]

Salifert is in my opinion next to impossible to judge if the lvl is 0.1 - 0, so your po4 could be anywhere in that range.

Hanna checker is much better for po4.

If your tank is new, then your nutrient will increase soon enough, so don’t go trying to raise them too much, as long as you have some nitrates and po4 I would be happy.

You could feed more, that would be my preferred way, makes your fish happy and will raise your nutrients.

 

[mcgallagherc]

Salifert is in my opinion next to impossible to judge if the lvl is 0.1 - 0, so your po4 could be anywhere in that range.

Hanna checker is much better for po4.

If your tank is new, then your nutrient will increase soon enough, so don’t go trying to raise them too much, as long as you have some nitrates and po4 I would be happy.

You could feed more, that would be my preferred way, makes your fish happy and will raise your nutrients.

I'm with ya, using the naked eye to try and detect a slight hint of blue strains the eyes. I'll invest in a Hanna checker. Tanks is almost 6 months old. Nitrates 2-5, again using salifert and my bad eyes to check lol .. very light coloration in nitrate however

 

[Reef.]

I'm with ya, using the naked eye to try and detect a slight hint of blue strains the eyes. I'll invest in a Hanna checker. Tanks is almost 6 months old. Nitrates 2-5, again using salifert and my bad eyes to check lol .. very light coloration in nitrate however

Are you remembering to read the vial colour through the side rather than from the top when you get a reading less than 10, then divide by 10.

Nitrate is not as important as po4, Salifert is ok for nitrate but again trying to read the colour is hard, Hanna again is good as it gives a number but is not a must buy like the po4 Hanna checker, those are the only 2 Hanna checkers I would recommend, Salifert is good for mag and calcium and also alk.

 

[Reefahholic]

Please help me understand, have a 48x24x24. Sock filter in sump, to change or not to change weekly?

Nitrate- 2-5
PO4- undectable
Calcium- 400
Alk- 8.9

Sock filter helps clean bad stuff from tank correct? If I don't change frequent nutrients should rise? Clean filter will remove nutrients?

I know this is a 3rd grade question to the experienced here but forgive me, I'm still very green.

Avoid running socks if you’re struggling with nutrients. The sump can be easily cleaned later. Do not let anything threaten your nutrients.

 

[mcgallagherc]

Are you remembering to read the vial colour through the side rather than from the top when you get a reading less than 10, then divide by 10.

Nitrate is not as important as po4, Salifert is ok for nitrate but again trying to read the colour is hard, Hanna again is good as it gives a number but is not a must buy like the po4 Hanna checker, those are the only 2 Hanna checkers I would recommend, Salifert is good for mag and calcium and also alk.

Tried both, can't detect color on po4