**Update**Having trouble controling my nitrates

Hello all,

I check my water parameters weekly and have never been able to get my nitrates under control. I know that 20 to 40 is not that bad but i do water changes monthly and it never drops. When i got into saltwater the tank i got had a sump with bio balls. I decided i wanted to DIY a refugium and it worked out good. I did the refugium because i wanted to have low Nitrates.

Its not working for me.

My macro algae looks like clumps of grapes. not sure what type. Should i change to a different type?

How should the flow be through the fuge?

I know over feeding may be a possibility. I usually feed 1 cube of mysis a day. some goes to an anemone. But they gobble it up quick.

Should i get more aggressive on the water changes? maybe once a week until they get where they need to be. The goal would be below 10. Is it possible?

very interested in getting your feedback.

Thanks,

 

Chaetomorpha usually works best, clean and rinse filter materials every week and change them often, increase circulation in tank to eliminate dead spots where detritus accumulates. Cut back on how much you feed. Do a large (50%) to start then do 5 to 10% weekly. Get a ro/di unit for your water if you do not have one. This may be your major contributor since EPA rules allow 40ppm nitrates.

 

what tests are you using they might be bad too.

 

We have a really good lfs here in Dallas called the fish gallery. I get all my RO and Mixed saltwater from them.

If i did 50% you dont think that would cycle the tank do you?

Thanks for the input,

 

I have a new Kit just bought by API. I really would like to get a digital one for the nitrates but to expensive.

 

yeah i guess try switching to cheato, at least it doesnt really go sexual and dump nutrients back into the tank

 

No it won't cycle your tank. The colonized nitrifying bacteria live on the surface of rocks, gravel etc. Very few free floaters. 50% w/c will = 50% reduction in your n03 ppm.

 

Today I changed out 45 gallons. I also learned a valuable lesson. When you take out a huge chunk of your macro algae and flush it down the toilet it may clog sending water every where. lesson learned. break it up first.

hopefully i am on my way to controlling my nitrates.

 

Why would you flush your macro's? LOL Just curious.

Are you still using the bio-balls? IMO you should begin removing them a few a day until they are gone. They just trap detrius and if your not keeping them clean there's a huge part of your nitrate problems.
I'd get rid of the sponges too for the same reason. Vaccuming the sump at w/c time is alot easier than cleaning bioballs and sponges imo.
Another great macro for nitrate export is ulva. And if you have room you can add a couple mangroves. Throw a few bristle worm in the fuge. They'll eat detrius and dieing cheato which a big plus because as it dies off it realeases any stored nutrients back into your system.

 

I think your problem is either your source water or the fact you are overfeeding. 1 cube a day is a lot IMO, I feed about 1/3 of a cube every other day. Test your source water to see if it has any nitrates and cut back on feeding, including any supplements for corals as most should be treated as food.