Nitrates

Arthur

Arthur

Member
Hi. Like I post in other thread mu Nitrates are in 10-15 range. I have a lot of SPS ( Im beginner with them). For a while I did not have problem with Nitrates but now i think maybe I added couple fishes that Im not supposed to… So what is the best solution to lower Nittrates. I do 25 gal. water change every couple weeks in my 125 system. also I have a Cheato and Mangroves in sump. Is Vodka dosing helps control Nitrates? If yes, any good links how to do it? Thanks
 
I agree with Vic about smaller wc more often. Just be sure not to take nitrates to far down. Make sure it is detectable. Test every 3 days or so if using vodka and dose it in sump not display. Also be sure skimmer is clean and skimming well...my $0.02
 
Thanks for all advice. I was just wondering where to dose it, sump or display. Appreciate all help.
jayjerk said:
I agree with Vic about smaller wc more often. Just be sure not to take nitrates to far down. Make sure it is detectable. Test every 3 days or so if using vodka and dose it in sump not display. Also be sure skimmer is clean and skimming well...my $0.02
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You'll notice the skimmate should get cloudy which is from the bacteria blooming from the vodka. You should run your skimmer on the wet side if you aren't already.
 
trackfast said:
If you're nervous you can always dose yourself a little vodka and then the tank. ;) i used to just add it to the DT.
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Yea. Did that before adding to tank. :) I love my reef, I had to test it before I put it in the tank, make sure it's right solution ;)
 
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I'm on my 4 -rd day of dosing. So far all looks good. Nitrates are still around 15 but it's been only 4 days. I also dose little less then suggested in Mai link. I have one more question. My friend said that if you start dosing vodka you can't stop it. If you do your tank will crush. Is that true? I read some info before and never saw that info. He also send me a link from Melevsreef to prove it. I'm at work now so didn't read that yet...Is he right? Thanks.
 
If you're going to stop it then wean the dosage down so your tank's natural bio-filter can grow as the vodka decreases, this will avoid a spike which could cause a crash.
 
Do you have a skimmer? I didn't see that you mentioned it anywhere in this thread. Carbon dosing (vodka) wont be very effective if you aren't skimming.
 
Thanks for that advice. Its good to know. QUOTE=EricTheRed;286776]If you're going to stop it then wean the dosage down so your tank's natural bio-filter can grow as the vodka decreases, this will avoid a spike which could cause a crash.[/QUOTE]
 
Yes. I have an Octopus XP- 1000sss skimmer. It is rated up to 125 as my tank is. I know I should go one step bigger but I made a mistake when I build the stand and 30 gal. sump is all I could fit there. And couldn't go bigger with skimmer also… :(
Sawdonkey said:
Do you have a skimmer? I didn't see that you mentioned it anywhere in this thread. Carbon dosing (vodka) wont be very effective if you aren't skimming.
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Arthur said:
Im not sure about that… Even with SPS?…
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No, I don't think a tank with 20 NO3 is fine for SPS. You might be able to keep SPS alive, but you'll have a hard time keeping it colored up and growing....if you can keep it alive. I'd say 10 ppm is probably the limit you could get away with, but you'd be better off shooting for 3-5.
 
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