Nitrate Issue

darkiss · 10/24/2012, 07:47 AM

So I my Nitrate was zero for the last few weeks then I started to dose Phyto and Zoo into the tank, now my nitrate is high.

I am not 100% sure if that is the reason that my nitrate is high, but I would bet that is the reason for it.

What should I do? Water changes every 3days? More/Less Frequent ?

coralsnaked · 10/24/2012, 07:59 AM

First why are you dosing phyto and Zoo? What are you feeding? This will raise your nitrates if they are provided in volumes greater than can be absorbed by the bio system. Most filter feeders who actually benefit from this type of supplimentation, actually require only small amounts. You should research each of your inverts you have and find out what their feeding requirements really are. The most common mistake for saltwater hobbuist is to over feed. But withouttmuch info I can only determine that if your trates were low and now high and the only change was the start of the feedings then you already have your answer of why.

How to lower them, well stop feeding or cut way back.. Water changes only for the short term, but too frequent of changes over the long run will cause other problems. There are many ways you can export excess Nitrates from the system. Research the site here about skimming, nitrate binding, and bacterial supplementation.

Good luck and Merry Skerry

darkiss · 10/24/2012, 08:02 AM

okay thanks, Yes I have stopped doseing zoo and phyto yesterday. Hope the LF and my HOB Filter will catch up.

Will try to not do too many water changes, as I have not done one yet since I have seen this issue (yesterday).

mcgyvr · 10/24/2012, 10:23 AM

Just a part of the "salt life".. Nitrate happens man. How you get rid of it determines how long your tank will last (and how big your wallet is)..
Most people use daily/weekly/monthly water changes as a simple way to remove/lower nitrates,etc.. and to replenish other needed elements. The amount/time span of the water changes is dependent on how quick the nitrate level is elevating.

A 25% water change (wc) "should" lower nitrates by 25% or a 10%wc will lower by 10%.. get it? Overfeed and nitrates creep up faster.. Don't feed enough and creatures die

Oh and if you think you can get by without a water change or are scared to do it then get out of the hobby now.

darkiss · 10/24/2012, 01:01 PM

Yes I understand that "Nitrate just happens man"

I also do weekly water changes I have several fresh water tanks, so I know how to do a water change.

mcgyvr probly put nitrate in my tank, i figured it out.

10/24/2012, 07:47 AM	#1
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	Nitrate Issue So I my Nitrate was zero for the last few weeks then I started to dose Phyto and Zoo into the tank, now my nitrate is high. I am not 100% sure if that is the reason that my nitrate is high, but I would bet that is the reason for it. What should I do? Water changes every 3days? More/Less Frequent ?

10/24/2012, 10:23 AM	#4
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Just a part of the "salt life".. Nitrate happens man. How you get rid of it determines how long your tank will last (and how big your wallet is).. Most people use daily/weekly/monthly water changes as a simple way to remove/lower nitrates,etc.. and to replenish other needed elements. The amount/time span of the water changes is dependent on how quick the nitrate level is elevating. A 25% water change (wc) "should" lower nitrates by 25% or a 10%wc will lower by 10%.. get it? Overfeed and nitrates creep up faster.. Don't feed enough and creatures die Oh and if you think you can get by without a water change or are scared to do it then get out of the hobby now. __________________ Who me?

10/24/2012, 07:59 AM	#2
coralsnaked Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Austin / Port Aransas, TX Posts: 1,479	First why are you dosing phyto and Zoo? What are you feeding? This will raise your nitrates if they are provided in volumes greater than can be absorbed by the bio system. Most filter feeders who actually benefit from this type of supplimentation, actually require only small amounts. You should research each of your inverts you have and find out what their feeding requirements really are. The most common mistake for saltwater hobbuist is to over feed. But withouttmuch info I can only determine that if your trates were low and now high and the only change was the start of the feedings then you already have your answer of why. How to lower them, well stop feeding or cut way back.. Water changes only for the short term, but too frequent of changes over the long run will cause other problems. There are many ways you can export excess Nitrates from the system. Research the site here about skimming, nitrate binding, and bacterial supplementation. Good luck and Merry Skerry

10/24/2012, 08:02 AM	#3
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	okay thanks, Yes I have stopped doseing zoo and phyto yesterday. Hope the LF and my HOB Filter will catch up. Will try to not do too many water changes, as I have not done one yet since I have seen this issue (yesterday).

10/24/2012, 01:01 PM	#5
darkiss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 569	Yes I understand that "Nitrate just happens man" I also do weekly water changes I have several fresh water tanks, so I know how to do a water change. mcgyvr probly put nitrate in my tank, i figured it out.