Nitrate level

Secondchance · 02/16/2008, 01:45 PM

Hello,

All my levels are perfect except for my nitrate level. How can I bring this down.? I just did a water change last night.

Thx.

FranktheTankTx · 02/16/2008, 01:51 PM

You'll hear people say water changes will bring it down... and they're right! You'd have to do 20% water changes damn near daily to see any significant changes. Nitrate is present because of the nitrogen cycle. Water changes don't stop it.

The flat out best way to lower your nitrates to add a refugium with some macro algae (chaeto) to export nutrients.

Also, take a look at your feeding habits. I recommend feeding only once every 2-3 days. Also, do you have a DSB? If not, you can clean out your sand bed every other water change. Just siphon out some areas of the sand bed. As long as it's under 3" you can safely vacuum out a sand bed.

Do these things, and your nitrate level will be and stay at 0 in 4-6 weeks.

02/16/2008, 01:45 PM	#1
Secondchance Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 56	Nitrate level Hello, All my levels are perfect except for my nitrate level. How can I bring this down.? I just did a water change last night. Thx.

02/16/2008, 01:51 PM	#2
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	You'll hear people say water changes will bring it down... and they're right! You'd have to do 20% water changes damn near daily to see any significant changes. Nitrate is present because of the nitrogen cycle. Water changes don't stop it. The flat out best way to lower your nitrates to add a refugium with some macro algae (chaeto) to export nutrients. Also, take a look at your feeding habits. I recommend feeding only once every 2-3 days. Also, do you have a DSB? If not, you can clean out your sand bed every other water change. Just siphon out some areas of the sand bed. As long as it's under 3" you can safely vacuum out a sand bed. Do these things, and your nitrate level will be and stay at 0 in 4-6 weeks. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")