Will adding rock reduce need for carbon dosing?

ReefsandGeeks · 07/12/2019, 10:03 AM

I'm working on a significant sump upgrade for my 150 gallon display and will be adding a lot more rock to my system. It will be bleached dry rock, so no initial bacterial life, but once it starts to grow a bacterial population will I need to cut back on carbon dosing? I'm not sure if it's going to be something I'm going to have to monitor more closely or not. I'm currently dosing 65ml of vinegar daily.

I will likely be doubling the amount of rock in my system with this sump upgrade, so will be a pretty significant addition.

hkgar · 07/12/2019, 01:39 PM

Live rock processes ammonia to nitrites and then to nitrate. The nitrates need to be exported from the tank and that can be done by water changes, Algae Turf Scrubber or carbon dosing. I use all 3 but I feed a lot and have a very heavy bio load.

What is your no3 level? What about PO4?

07/12/2019, 10:03 AM	#1
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	Will adding rock reduce need for carbon dosing? I'm working on a significant sump upgrade for my 150 gallon display and will be adding a lot more rock to my system. It will be bleached dry rock, so no initial bacterial life, but once it starts to grow a bacterial population will I need to cut back on carbon dosing? I'm not sure if it's going to be something I'm going to have to monitor more closely or not. I'm currently dosing 65ml of vinegar daily. I will likely be doubling the amount of rock in my system with this sump upgrade, so will be a pretty significant addition.

07/12/2019, 01:39 PM	#2
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	Live rock processes ammonia to nitrites and then to nitrate. The nitrates need to be exported from the tank and that can be done by water changes, Algae Turf Scrubber or carbon dosing. I use all 3 but I feed a lot and have a very heavy bio load. What is your no3 level? What about PO4? __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels