Nitrate reduction - from 160 to 10

Raimond42 · 08/01/2010, 10:03 AM

I have been at reducing my nitrates for several years. 160 to 80 to 40 with lots of water changes, this got expensive and time consuming. Added a DIY DN, no help. Brought a RO/DI system, this improved the water quality greatly and saved lots of $ and time getting quality water but did little for the already high Ni levels. Now I am running a refugium again after no success in keeping the chato alive before and refilling it with LR.
Now it seams to be working since I added more light to the refugium. My snails and crabs are doing much better and I believe the fish are more active.
Everyone is happy now, including me!

I have been noticing for the last few days that my nitrates were at about 15 in the morning and close to 40 in the evening... I was puzzled for a day or two and then it hit me that they are low after my lights on cycle in refugium and higher when the lights have been off for 10 hours.
Not sure if this is exactly what is happening, just a pattern I noticed.
This AM I tested again and they are either five or ten, can't tell the difference on the API card. Progress! In about 10 days after adding a fist size piece of Chato I have seen a tremendous decrease in my nitrate levels. It will be interesting to see what they are tonight.

I know there are many opinions about the light cycle issue, in the end you just have to pick one and see how it works for you.
For others struggling with high nitrates, don't give up. It will get better. Took me 3 years to find what works the best for me.

Gamble · 08/01/2010, 11:34 AM

I appreciate you sharing your success, its always nice to know what has worked for different people in their situation. How much light did you have when it wasn't working for you? How much light did you increase to?

Raimond42 · 08/01/2010, 11:47 AM

Before, my LFS sold me a 18 Watt combo bulb and hood package, said it would be plenty.
Last week I used the same hood and a 18 Watt grow bulb that seamed to keep everything going. I didn't like the way it all was arranged so yesterday I started using a light system I had laying around, it is 65 watts and has fans in it. My entire sump is 25 gallons so I guess my refugium is 15.

moondoggy4 · 08/01/2010, 03:25 PM

I have high nitrates too and it takes the relax out of the tank because I am always worry about it. I switched to the Sera Nitrated test and it is much easier to read, now I am at fifty. Thanks for your succes story.

08/01/2010, 10:03 AM	#1
Raimond42 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 107	Nitrate reduction - from 160 to 10 I have been at reducing my nitrates for several years. 160 to 80 to 40 with lots of water changes, this got expensive and time consuming. Added a DIY DN, no help. Brought a RO/DI system, this improved the water quality greatly and saved lots of $ and time getting quality water but did little for the already high Ni levels. Now I am running a refugium again after no success in keeping the chato alive before and refilling it with LR. Now it seams to be working since I added more light to the refugium. My snails and crabs are doing much better and I believe the fish are more active. Everyone is happy now, including me! I have been noticing for the last few days that my nitrates were at about 15 in the morning and close to 40 in the evening... I was puzzled for a day or two and then it hit me that they are low after my lights on cycle in refugium and higher when the lights have been off for 10 hours. Not sure if this is exactly what is happening, just a pattern I noticed. This AM I tested again and they are either five or ten, can't tell the difference on the API card. Progress! In about 10 days after adding a fist size piece of Chato I have seen a tremendous decrease in my nitrate levels. It will be interesting to see what they are tonight. I know there are many opinions about the light cycle issue, in the end you just have to pick one and see how it works for you. For others struggling with high nitrates, don't give up. It will get better. Took me 3 years to find what works the best for me. __________________ Freedom is not free, support the troops! If you can read this thank a Teacher, because its in English thank a Veteran. Current Tank Info: 120g FOWLR, 25 Gal Sump 10 Gal Refugium.

08/01/2010, 11:47 AM	#3
Raimond42 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 107	Before, my LFS sold me a 18 Watt combo bulb and hood package, said it would be plenty. Last week I used the same hood and a 18 Watt grow bulb that seamed to keep everything going. I didn't like the way it all was arranged so yesterday I started using a light system I had laying around, it is 65 watts and has fans in it. My entire sump is 25 gallons so I guess my refugium is 15. __________________ Freedom is not free, support the troops! If you can read this thank a Teacher, because its in English thank a Veteran. Current Tank Info: 120g FOWLR, 25 Gal Sump 10 Gal Refugium.

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08/01/2010, 11:34 AM	#2
Gamble Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Murray, UT Posts: 88	I appreciate you sharing your success, its always nice to know what has worked for different people in their situation. How much light did you have when it wasn't working for you? How much light did you increase to?

08/01/2010, 03:25 PM	#4
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	I have high nitrates too and it takes the relax out of the tank because I am always worry about it. I switched to the Sera Nitrated test and it is much easier to read, now I am at fifty. Thanks for your succes story.