Zero nitrates too much bio media?

[FelipeCarv]

Hello all,

I have a mixed 120G reef. My nitrates are zero despite my efforts to raise them. I've tried to feed more and also with mysis and with no success.
I have a reef octopus skimmer 150INT turned on 24h/7. I don't want to turn it off cause I think it's good for oxygenation as well. I could take the cup out. This skimmer is a monster.
I have 6 maxspect bio blocks ( one block is recommended for 300G, and I have 6 Those blocks in excess could be the cause of 0 my nitrates?
Should I remove some blocks?
Corals are doing well but I could have more LPS inflation or happiness I think if my nitrates were higher.

 

[tzabor10]

Feeding just won’t do it. I also struggled with low nitrates. Dosing ammonia fixed that. There are loads of articles about this. Should help with the corals too

 

[Dan_P]

Hello all,

I have a mixed 120G reef. My nitrates are zero despite my efforts to raise them. I've tried to feed more and also with mysis and with no success.
I have a reef octopus skimmer 150INT turned on 24h/7. I don't want to turn it off cause I think it's good for oxygenation as well. I could take the cup out. This skimmer is a monster.
I have 6 maxspect bio blocks ( one block is recommended for 300G, and I have 6 Those blocks in excess could be the cause of 0 my nitrates?
Should I remove some blocks?
Corals are doing well but I could have more LPS inflation or happiness I think if my nitrates were higher.

If this is a new aquarium, low nitrate and phosphate levels are normal, regardless of the equipment used. In time, your system will likely require nitrate and phosphate remediation.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd certainly remove some or all of the blocks. I'd also either feed more or dose some phosphate if it too is undetectable.

 

[FelipeCarv]

If this is a new aquarium, low nitrate and phosphate levels are normal, regardless of the equipment used. In time, your system will likely require nitrate and phosphate remediation.

Its a relative new, 7 months old now.
Additionally, it's fully stocked, 3 tangs, 1 foxface, 3 wrasses, 3 clowns and a lawnmower. I removed 2 blocks and will check my nitrates again. I'm using hanna BTW.

 

[FelipeCarv]

I'd certainly remove some or all of the blocks. I'd also either feed more or dose some phosphate if it too is undetectable.

Removed 2 blocks today, will remove 2 each week and test. Let's see. I didn't know how powerful those blocks were in zeroing nitrates...I'm impressed. Phosphates are 0.08.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Removed 2 blocks today, will remove 2 each week and test. Let's see. I didn't know how powerful those blocks were in zeroing nitrates...I'm impressed. Phosphates are 0.08.

I don’t know if they are the cause, but they are likely providing no benefit currently.

 

[Reefering1]

I don’t know if they are the cause, but they are likely providing no benefit currently.

Don't these(or similar) blocks release aluminum into the water?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Don't these(or similar) blocks release aluminum into the water?

They may, but usually not enough to be a problem. I don't know what he is using.

 

[FelipeCarv]

They may, but usually not enough to be a problem. I don't know what he is using.

Maxspect Bio blocks they come in pairs