Nitarte Probs...

[Reefguide]

I haveing a few Nitrate probs lately. 29g reef set-up for about 3 years with about 3" DSB. 10g Refugium doing well with Skimmer. Live stock is 2 percs and 2 anthias. Feeding is not too heavy. Good amount of Live rock.

For about 6 months I had zero Nitartes and lately Im getting 12.5mg/l - 25mg/l. Nothing really has changed... Can I add maybe more dead sand to DSB? Or what else can I do?


TY

 

[Reefguide]

By the way, I'v been using Tap Water treated with Prime for top-off lately. I know, I know, been lazy. Anyways can tap be raising my Nitrates?

 

[Will C1]

yes it can. try testing the untreated water and see for your self. do a large change say 30% and use ro water from this point on and you want have any problems.

 

[Reefguide]

Nope, Tap water tested zero for Nitartes.... Could I add more dead sand to my sand bed and will that help?

 

[liquid]

Adding some sand might help. Keep in mind to add it *very* carefully as the silt from the sand can cloud up your tank and could potentially cause serious problems w/ your corals.

You *might* try dosing with a tiny bit of iron to see if your macroalgaes aren't iron limited in their growth.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/aug2002/chem.htm
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2002/chem.htm

hth

Shane

 

[Will C1]

something in your water is turning into nit. for the algeas to eat. i would guess its the tap water as its hard to say exactllt whats in it. get some ro and do a good change it will help.

 

[krazykarel]

What do you have for filtration? Any bioballs that could be storing trates?

 

[Reefguide]

No, no Bio-balls. Set up is a streight Refugium with Skimmer. No sponges or Bio-balls... my guess is the tap water too. Last time I dosed Iron my tank broke out in red-slime everywhere ! I really fear dosing that stuff.

 

[liquid]

Hi krazykarel and

Shane