Nitrates

physioman · 02/09/2009, 09:21 PM

How do you get the Nitrates lower. I've tested my water parameters in 72G reef tank and they are high. Did about 20% water change. I've got Vertex skimmer.

Tremolo · 02/09/2009, 09:57 PM

From the way that i understand it works is through biological filtration ammonia is turned into nitrites and nitrites into nitrates. There is nothing that gets rid of the nitrates with live rock and sand. so water changes are about the only way unless you put in a fuge. I always had nitrates at about 60ppm and couldnt get them any lower with biweekly water changes. I just installed a 10 gallon fuge with chaeto and after about 2 weeks they are down to 10ppm. I cant wait to see how low they get. Also do you have a sump with bioballs? They are said to be nitrate factories. Most people recommed pulling them out and using live rock.

How about a little more info on your setup so someone who knows more about what they are talking about can help you out better.

JamesJR · 02/09/2009, 10:06 PM

There are bacteria that are capable of converting nitrate to Nitrogen.
This process is called denitrification. Some bacteria will use nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor when oxygen is low in order to produce energy. So yes this does happen. Generally in deeper zones of sand beds or in rocks. It can take a while for these bacteria to establish and it is easy to overwhelm these processes. But they do occur and with adequate maintenance a tank can see very low nitrate levels.

kraze3 · 02/09/2009, 10:15 PM

Big water changes are the only way to lower them quickly.

A RDSB will house the bacteria that will consume nitrates. Another way is to run your refuge, with cheato, on an opposite lighting schedule.

02/09/2009, 09:21 PM	#1
physioman Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 20	Nitrates How do you get the Nitrates lower. I've tested my water parameters in 72G reef tank and they are high. Did about 20% water change. I've got Vertex skimmer.

02/09/2009, 10:06 PM	#3
JamesJR Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,733	There are bacteria that are capable of converting nitrate to Nitrogen. This process is called denitrification. Some bacteria will use nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor when oxygen is low in order to produce energy. So yes this does happen. Generally in deeper zones of sand beds or in rocks. It can take a while for these bacteria to establish and it is easy to overwhelm these processes. But they do occur and with adequate maintenance a tank can see very low nitrate levels. __________________ Just when I thought you couldn't be any dumber you go and do something like this....And totally redeem yourself! Current Tank Info: 20 gallon

02/09/2009, 09:57 PM	#2
Tremolo Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aurora IL Posts: 644	From the way that i understand it works is through biological filtration ammonia is turned into nitrites and nitrites into nitrates. There is nothing that gets rid of the nitrates with live rock and sand. so water changes are about the only way unless you put in a fuge. I always had nitrates at about 60ppm and couldnt get them any lower with biweekly water changes. I just installed a 10 gallon fuge with chaeto and after about 2 weeks they are down to 10ppm. I cant wait to see how low they get. Also do you have a sump with bioballs? They are said to be nitrate factories. Most people recommed pulling them out and using live rock. How about a little more info on your setup so someone who knows more about what they are talking about can help you out better.

02/09/2009, 10:15 PM	#4
kraze3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: RI Posts: 2,373	Big water changes are the only way to lower them quickly. A RDSB will house the bacteria that will consume nitrates. Another way is to run your refuge, with cheato, on an opposite lighting schedule.