can't get the nitrates down

oops i also forgot to ask, is it safe for me to add more hermits and snails. I really need to get more of these guys, they clean up great but I have lost a few snails.

 

The use of a carbon source has come from Delbeek and Sprung who are very knowledgeable with regards to chemistry for reef tanks as is Farley, and are professionals in the hobby!

 

It's one thing for a pro to do it, but another for the average hobbyist.
Just see on RC how many problems have cropped up with bacterial growth after trying to rid their tanks of nitrates this way.
It dosen't happen all the time, but too frequent in my mind to be advising it's use to people without a lot of experience.
IMO, Nemo has had too many problems in her short time in the hobby to recommend using this method as she "may" end up with the bacterial problem and that would be worse than any nitrate problem she has now.
Also, the nitrate problem is basically due to insufficient live rock to properly take care of nitrates with her bio-load. The quick fix, is not the answer, IMO.
It would be like people that use Maracyn to get rid of cyano, when after using it, the source of the problem is still there and still needs remedy.

 

I agree, I don't want a quick fix seeing as to the only problem I have with the nitrate level is algae which I can control with proper maintenance. I have changed my maintenance and feeding habits. I am going to cycle LR in my 10g and once the LR is clean and levels are good I am going to add the LR to my tank which should up the biological filteration capacity. I agree, I thought I had enough LR but after being in this hobby for almost a yr. I have learned alot. If it wasn't such a pain I would change my crushed coral to sand but I think adding LR is the easier and better solution for me.

 

Nemo, one thing that you can do to help with Algae growth is to keep your phosphate at 0. Check your levels and if they are high or detectable try a phosphate resin. Algae basically 2 things to grow. Nitrates and phosphates besides lighting. Also, how old are your bulbs? Worn down bulbs will contribute to algae as well.

You also mentioned something about not having a tank to cure live rock. All you need is a rubbermaid tub and a powerhead for water movement.

 

Here is something basic that nobody has mentioned....

With the water changes, what kind of water are you using? Tap alone will have nitrates in it, so water changes WILL NOT help get rid of them unless you are using RO or RO/DI water. If you buy your RO water from the LFS, ask them if they test their water with a TDS meter, as I found my LFS's RO water is almost as bad as tap water because of the sediment from the air settling in the RO holding tank over several years. If you cannot get RO water or RO/DI, you can buy Distilled water just about anywhere and its, just as good as RO water and its usually about $0.60 a gallon. So try that and seeif that helps out your situation.

 

Oh I never use tap water for my tank, I buy my ro water from the water depot here, most people do because our tap water is deplorable, it's from rivers and wells...no thanks. I know the water depot I purchase it from is reputable and they test all the time. I have tested it and it has 0 nitrates. I don't have a tds meter. I never had a problem with nitrates till most recently.

I have a 10g tank for the curing of LR, how much would you recommend I cure for my tank specs?