Using Chemi-Pure Elite

[pdiehm]

So I recently got one of them InTank Media Racks along with an Aquamaxx HOB-1 skimmer for my Biocube 29. Using filter floss on the top, purigen in the middle, and chemi-pure elite on the bottom (tied to the middle rack).

I've noticed that my water is significantly clearer (I think it's the purigen/filter floss). My nitrate's have been hanging steady at under 10ppm but over 5ppm, and I do 5g changes per week.

Once the skimmer is broken in, which I've only had it running for a week today...with the additional filtration, and the new skimmer, how long until I start seeing changes in nitrates (not that my reading is bad, it's not). I ideally am trying to get nitrates under 3, and for some reason I thought the new stuff I bought would help with that.

In contrast, my 120 downstairs, at just weekly 10g changes, and an Aquamaxx EM200 has routinely had nitrate readings of 0ppm per Red Sea.

I know it's not an apples to apples comparison, just trying to get a feel as to whether my expectations are out of whack with the new equipment or if that's something I'll see down the line.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, Purigen should make the water less yellow.

Nitrate should start to trend a bit lower once you skim more, but whether it is enough or not can only be determined by trial and error. A month should be plenty to see the trend.

 

[pdiehm]

thanks everyone.

As I mentioned, everything appears to be doing well. My torch is fully extended, albeit small torch, the zoanthids are constantly multiplying, the FGSP is always out waving, though I've been told that you could put that stuff under a bed, and it'd probably grow...and my new Orange Digitata is open.

The clowns think I'm the food god, and the cleaner shrimp was eating his own molt last night.

 

[markshimala]

I have a Biocube 14 with the right chamber having filter floss on top then Purigen and then Chemipure Elite. Second chamber has a sponge pad to help quite the loud water fall noise and then some chaeto and a light that stays in 24/7. Thord chamber is my return, with upgraded pump. My tank never registers nitrates and I dont have a skimmer on it. I have 2 clowns, red BTA, various snails, peppermint shrimp, emerald crab, sand sifting star, pom pom crab and various corals. I change 3 gallons every week. I change out the filter floss every 2 or 3 days. I dont feed much. I alternate between frozen mysis and brine and feed phyto every 2 or 3 days.

It could be overfeeding if your nitrates are higher than you want them to be.

 

[markshimala]

Oh, and I dont use one of those racks they sell. Seems a bit $$$ for some cheap plastic.

 

[pdiehm]

I think it's a variety of things. First, I am told that even at 7-8 month old my tank is still new, and maturing/stabilizing. Second, I am sure some of the inverts are dying and that population is stabilizing. Third, I may feed too much. Still learning how much to feed. Usually feed every other day.

Having said that, it's not like my nitrates are at 50.

My Params are fine.

pH: 8.0-8.2
SG: 33-34
Alk: 9.5-10.5
Amm: 0
Nitrite: 0 (never tested after reading Randy's article)
Nitrate: 7-10
PO4: 0 (false reading as there is some algae)
Calcium: 420-440
Magnesium: 1550-1600 (since changed to RSCP, can't get any lower)

All tests done weekly, change 5g water per week.