Nitrates!!!!!

180 large · 08-29-2003, 06:51 AM

I have a 7 year old tank 180 gal. In the last 2 years I have not been able to keep the nitrates below 50 ppm. I am using a dry tab test kit,it is new. I have syphoned any and all detritus out of my sump and have been using a turkey baster on the rocks. Is it possible my bio load has been slowly depleated? I have about 150 lbs of rock and approx. 1.5 inches of sand any suggestions would really help

BuckWheat · 08-29-2003, 07:45 AM

50% water change should do the trick.

180 large · 08-29-2003, 09:45 AM

I have been doing 25% on a weekly basis but has not helped much

BuckWheat · 08-29-2003, 09:53 AM

Well a 25% water change should reduce your traits by 25% and in a week if you do another you won't get a 25% because of the water is already increasing in traits again by that time and also you are removing some of the very same water you changes the week before, this is why I suggested trying a large 50% and see what the test results go. I'm not familiar with your test kit either I'm guess it is Very accurate? If not sure then get your water tested elsewhere or try saliflert or lamott test kits. Just a suggestion! Also I'm guessing you went through the entire system looking fo rthe culpret of traits like filters etc..

dermp · 08-29-2003, 10:07 AM

I have a question is having nitrates at or around 50 PPM safe. I have read conflicting reports. Some say that you need a certain amount of nitrates for other things in your tank like clams and other things. I wonder how much truth there is in nitrates and there good or bad effect on a reef system??

Prismaco · 08-29-2003, 10:26 AM

1.5" sand bed...I would at least of had a 3-6" sand bed... RO/DI water change would help...

-Paul

Doug1 · 08-29-2003, 12:16 PM

What type and size substrate particals are you using? Wet/dry ? Skimmer? What are you using as source water for top off and salt mix?
What kind and how many fish,corals,etc?

180 large · 08-29-2003, 12:55 PM

I am using an old wet/dry for a sump. Just about finished removing the bio balls I have a layer 2 bio balls high left to remove in one side of the sump the other side is empty. DIY skimmer built from some plans on RAG( worlds ugliest skimmer) RO/DI water when tested for traits tests 0. Reef crystal salt. substrate is part crushed coral from my old tank and the oolitic aragonite(old tank was a 75 Gal) FISH: 1 red sea purple tang(approx 3") 1 hippo tang(3.5"-4") 1 6 line wrasse(2") 1 neon dottyback(2") 1 royal gramma(2") 1 true perc (2"-2.5") 1 searpant star,various snails and crabs. CORALS:Red mushrooms(many),brain(1), branching gorgonian(1 large),encrusting carpet gorgonian(has covered 2 rocks),and what i believe is green finger coral(approx. 12) They just keep multiplying. Removed all filter sponges. DRy tab test kit is made by aquarium pharmaceuticals, I think covers everything.

JennM · 08-29-2003, 01:16 PM

AP test kits are notoriously inaccurate. I'd try a Seachem or a Salifert.

I would avoid deepening the sand bed - IMO it deepens the .. well you know

Jenn

180 large · 08-29-2003, 01:20 PM

thanks jenn I didnt know that!! But it tests zero when I make new water??

Doug1 · 08-29-2003, 01:26 PM

OK removing the last of the bio balls is a step forward, with that much LR you should be fine. do you ever vacuum or disturb the crushed coral/ I imagine most of the oolitic has filtered to the bottom of the CC by now. If you have a lot of debris buildup in the crushed coral, that will account for hi nitrates, your fishload sounds light for a 180, so other than tangs being eating/poopin machines thats not bad.
Have you had the rock all along? It is possible for LR to become a nitrate sink over time and constantly leach it back into the water, as I recall.
You didn't mention your lighting, but i gather from coral list that you have at least VHO set up or similar. What i find interesting is that with hi nitrates you don't mention have algae runamuck.
Personally I have little faith in the drytab tests, I would invest in a Salifert. Have you cross checked your water readings with a LFS that uses a different test method?
If the trates are really that high, perhaps setting up a rubbermaid tub with a light on it to grow and throw algae for nutrient export may help

BuckWheat · 08-29-2003, 01:27 PM

WholeHeartly agree with Jenn, Including the SB part!

180 large · 08-29-2003, 01:53 PM

no i never vacuum the substrate, I thought I didnt want to disturb it??? LIGHTS: 3 175 mh (10K) 2 super atinic, 2 actinic white(uri) I am planning to build a refugium also. Live rock is original from my 75 gal. Ihad it all in the 75. needless to say i had a ton of rock in that tank. Algae is not a problem, I get some brown on the rocks and I have to clean the glass every couple of days.

CAT · 08-29-2003, 09:21 PM

If your trates are high after testing with another kit, try adding a light and some macro to your sump. I'm amazed at how well that worked for my tank. Also, lots of fun seeing all the little critters swimming around when there are no predators.

Doug1 · 08-29-2003, 10:15 PM

Still amazed that with hi nitrates and MH light you aint got a algae factory, that just don't add up