Nitrate problems

Percula_Clown · 05/31/2013, 10:04 PM

I have been having nitrate problems for some time. This month I should have about 400 dollars to spare and I want the problem gone.

About six weeks ago I asked the same question and was linked to a thread about algae scrubbers. It did work somewhat taking the nitrates from 40+ to around 30. (I know this isn't really enough time for an algae scrubber to get to full power)

The bit is, I have GHA growing EVERYWHERE and I want it gone, it makes me depressed every time I look at my tank.

Tank:
55 gallon
2.5 inch sand bed
70 lbs. Live rock
29 gallon sump
seaclown 100 skimmer
I do have to much stock and I do over feed. I know these are the causes of my issues. I have already been talking to my LFS about upgrading to a 150 and he is keeping his eye out for a good used one but it will be some time before I can get it. I have to reinforce my house to hold the weight. (It is very old and has some dry rot.)

Please, if you know how I can just throw some money at this problem and make it go away. I am so tired of doing 20% changes every week and still having GHA... I don't mind the maintenance when my tank is beautiful, but when I am done it still looks like a dump.

bnumair · 05/31/2013, 10:09 PM

if u want to spend money to rid nitrates for ever along with phos then ur best money spend will be on a biopellet reactor. it will definitely reduce nitrates to 0 along with also reducing phos.

Percula_Clown · 05/31/2013, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnumair

if u want to spend money to rid nitrates for ever along with phos then ur best money spend will be on a biopellet reactor. it will definitely reduce nitrates to 0 along with also reducing phos.

Do you know of a good brand and model of reactor?

Also, what are the best pellets to put in there?

If possible I would like it to work for the 55 and the 150 that will be replacing it eventually.

bnumair · 05/31/2013, 10:23 PM

i am a reef octopus guy. 95% of all my equipment is made by them.
if u goto BRS website u can find Reef Octopus BR110 Biopellet Reactor that will work for ur 55 and once u upgrade to 150 it will work with it too. for 150gal tank u need 700ml biopellets this reactor will hold upto 1000ml. u will need a mag 7 to drive this. so u need mag 7 and this reactor.
i use BRS bio pelletes.

Percula_Clown · 05/31/2013, 10:27 PM

I will check it out.

Thank you.

bellis31 · 05/31/2013, 10:27 PM

AlgaeFX will make it go away (GHA) but you will still need to solve the problem of High Nitrates. Water changes will help if they are big enough and often enough, filter socks to catch any rotting debris (changed daily).. GFO and carbon to clean up the water.

Best of luck!

Percula_Clown · 05/31/2013, 10:32 PM

Quick question that I think I know the answer to already.

It would be fine to pipe this so part of the return goes to the display? I have another use for my mag 5 that is in my sump, so if I could split up the output on the seven etc.

I just want to make sure. (I have been thinking about upgrading my pump to my pond, so this would be a two birds situation)

ActorMike · 05/31/2013, 10:40 PM

How often do you clean the sump out? All kinds of stuff gets trapped there. I use small 100 gph rio pumps to keep debris from laying on the bottom. I dont think you need all this equipment mentioned. I make weekly or biweekly water changes, clean my sump once a month and run a phosban reactor and never have issues.

uploadfromtaptalk1370061612711.jpg

bnumair · 05/31/2013, 10:43 PM

u can have a mannifold on the return (meaning many outlets) but remember if u shut the return pump for service or cleaning or feeding all the reactors or things running off the mannifold will also turn off.

Percula_Clown · 05/31/2013, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ActorMike

How often do you clean the sump out? All kinds of stuff gets trapped there. I use small 100 gph rio pumps to keep debris from laying on the bottom. I dont think you need all this equipment mentioned. I make weekly or biweekly water changes, clean my sump once a month and run a phosban reactor and never have issues.

Attachment 233406

Well you run a phosphate reactor.

Oddly I have no phosphate issues. I do have a bit to many fish and over feed. I enjoy watching them eat.

(This is in no way meant to be aggressive, I appreciate anyone with more experience then me trying to help me. (I am a n00b) I am just pointing out that you run a reactor also)

Percula_Clown · 05/31/2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnumair

u can have a mannifold on the return (meaning many outlets) but remember if u shut the return pump for service or cleaning or feeding all the reactors or things running off the mannifold will also turn off.

Will that hurt them? I mean do they HAVE to run all the time? I live in southern Illinois, the power is, less then reliable...

Percula_Clown · 05/31/2013, 11:19 PM

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-o...ombo-pack.html

So I am set, I am guessing since 700ml is needed for the 150, I should use 250ml for my 55 gallon? Will the Mag 7 be to much for this until I upgrade tanks? (I did not order the pump because my LFS sells them for a little more then online and I like to use them because they have helped me so much so far)

Also (most important), the media degrades and has to be replaced? I am reading about people buying more media, I just need to know if there is a time, or if it disappears.

bnumair · 06/01/2013, 06:06 AM

yes 250ml for ur 55 gal tank will be enough. then u can go with 700 for ur 150.
mag 7 will drive it fine. u got to get flow right to get a slight tumble in there.
medi will be used up over time and needs replacement but it wil be a long time. (in 2-3 yrs)

ActorMike · 06/02/2013, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Percula_Clown

Well you run a phosphate reactor.

Oddly I have no phosphate issues. I do have a bit to many fish and over feed. I enjoy watching them eat.

(This is in no way meant to be aggressive, I appreciate anyone with more experience then me trying to help me. (I am a n00b) I am just pointing out that you run a reactor also)

Phosban reactors are cheap and you can run carbon in them too which makes your water sparkling clean. I dont think its an elaborate add on. Its good to have one on hand for emergencies.

johnstringer · 06/03/2013, 11:29 AM

I have heard the output of the bio pellet reactor should be as close as possible to the skimmer intake. That way the bacteria that gets knocked off the pellets eventually will be removed by the skimmer.

bnumair · 06/03/2013, 11:51 AM

Its advised but not necessary. If its in ur water skimmer will take it out.

05/31/2013, 10:04 PM	#1
Percula_Clown Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Murphysboro IL Posts: 122	Nitrate problems I have been having nitrate problems for some time. This month I should have about 400 dollars to spare and I want the problem gone. About six weeks ago I asked the same question and was linked to a thread about algae scrubbers. It did work somewhat taking the nitrates from 40+ to around 30. (I know this isn't really enough time for an algae scrubber to get to full power) The bit is, I have GHA growing EVERYWHERE and I want it gone, it makes me depressed every time I look at my tank. Tank: 55 gallon 2.5 inch sand bed 70 lbs. Live rock 29 gallon sump seaclown 100 skimmer I do have to much stock and I do over feed. I know these are the causes of my issues. I have already been talking to my LFS about upgrading to a 150 and he is keeping his eye out for a good used one but it will be some time before I can get it. I have to reinforce my house to hold the weight. (It is very old and has some dry rot.) Please, if you know how I can just throw some money at this problem and make it go away. I am so tired of doing 20% changes every week and still having GHA... I don't mind the maintenance when my tank is beautiful, but when I am done it still looks like a dump.

05/31/2013, 10:09 PM	#2
bnumair Dr. Reef at ur service Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok, USA Posts: 7,751 Blog Entries: 15	if u want to spend money to rid nitrates for ever along with phos then ur best money spend will be on a biopellet reactor. it will definitely reduce nitrates to 0 along with also reducing phos. __________________ Water Quality: NO3 0,Phos 0,Cal 440,Alk 7.5,Mag 1300 "Reef Fast, You Crash, Reef Slow, You Pass" Mike's Reef 3:16 Current Tank Info: 350g DT,95g sump, 50g Frag tank, 4800gph return 4x Sea swirls. 6x AI Vega Color. 200# Pukani rock, dual recirculating skimmer, Biopellet, GFO Carbon rx's, Cal rx. Closed loop. 1.5hp chiller, genesis renew. Apex & RKE

05/31/2013, 10:23 PM	#4
bnumair Dr. Reef at ur service Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok, USA Posts: 7,751 Blog Entries: 15	i am a reef octopus guy. 95% of all my equipment is made by them. if u goto BRS website u can find Reef Octopus BR110 Biopellet Reactor that will work for ur 55 and once u upgrade to 150 it will work with it too. for 150gal tank u need 700ml biopellets this reactor will hold upto 1000ml. u will need a mag 7 to drive this. so u need mag 7 and this reactor. i use BRS bio pelletes. __________________ Water Quality: NO3 0,Phos 0,Cal 440,Alk 7.5,Mag 1300 "Reef Fast, You Crash, Reef Slow, You Pass" Mike's Reef 3:16 Current Tank Info: 350g DT,95g sump, 50g Frag tank, 4800gph return 4x Sea swirls. 6x AI Vega Color. 200# Pukani rock, dual recirculating skimmer, Biopellet, GFO Carbon rx's, Cal rx. Closed loop. 1.5hp chiller, genesis renew. Apex & RKE

05/31/2013, 10:27 PM	#6
bellis31 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 1,021	AlgaeFX will make it go away (GHA) but you will still need to solve the problem of High Nitrates. Water changes will help if they are big enough and often enough, filter socks to catch any rotting debris (changed daily).. GFO and carbon to clean up the water. Best of luck! __________________ 80g Custom + 29g Sump BM Curve 5 Skimmer - Eheim 1262 Return Pump 2 Vortech MP10wes + 2 Vortech MP40wes 2 Radion G3's + Apex Jr Controller + WXM Last edited by bellis31; 05/31/2013 at 10:34 PM.

05/31/2013, 10:43 PM	#9
bnumair Dr. Reef at ur service Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok, USA Posts: 7,751 Blog Entries: 15	u can have a mannifold on the return (meaning many outlets) but remember if u shut the return pump for service or cleaning or feeding all the reactors or things running off the mannifold will also turn off. __________________ Water Quality: NO3 0,Phos 0,Cal 440,Alk 7.5,Mag 1300 "Reef Fast, You Crash, Reef Slow, You Pass" Mike's Reef 3:16 Current Tank Info: 350g DT,95g sump, 50g Frag tank, 4800gph return 4x Sea swirls. 6x AI Vega Color. 200# Pukani rock, dual recirculating skimmer, Biopellet, GFO Carbon rx's, Cal rx. Closed loop. 1.5hp chiller, genesis renew. Apex & RKE

05/31/2013, 10:32 PM	#7
Percula_Clown Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Murphysboro IL Posts: 122	Quick question that I think I know the answer to already. It would be fine to pipe this so part of the return goes to the display? I have another use for my mag 5 that is in my sump, so if I could split up the output on the seven etc. I just want to make sure. (I have been thinking about upgrading my pump to my pond, so this would be a two birds situation)

05/31/2013, 10:40 PM	#8
ActorMike Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 62	How often do you clean the sump out? All kinds of stuff gets trapped there. I use small 100 gph rio pumps to keep debris from laying on the bottom. I dont think you need all this equipment mentioned. I make weekly or biweekly water changes, clean my sump once a month and run a phosban reactor and never have issues. uploadfromtaptalk1370061612711.jpg

05/31/2013, 11:19 PM	#12
Percula_Clown Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Murphysboro IL Posts: 122	http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-o...ombo-pack.html So I am set, I am guessing since 700ml is needed for the 150, I should use 250ml for my 55 gallon? Will the Mag 7 be to much for this until I upgrade tanks? (I did not order the pump because my LFS sells them for a little more then online and I like to use them because they have helped me so much so far) Also (most important), the media degrades and has to be replaced? I am reading about people buying more media, I just need to know if there is a time, or if it disappears.

06/01/2013, 06:06 AM	#13
bnumair Dr. Reef at ur service Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok, USA Posts: 7,751 Blog Entries: 15	yes 250ml for ur 55 gal tank will be enough. then u can go with 700 for ur 150. mag 7 will drive it fine. u got to get flow right to get a slight tumble in there. medi will be used up over time and needs replacement but it wil be a long time. (in 2-3 yrs) __________________ Water Quality: NO3 0,Phos 0,Cal 440,Alk 7.5,Mag 1300 "Reef Fast, You Crash, Reef Slow, You Pass" Mike's Reef 3:16 Current Tank Info: 350g DT,95g sump, 50g Frag tank, 4800gph return 4x Sea swirls. 6x AI Vega Color. 200# Pukani rock, dual recirculating skimmer, Biopellet, GFO Carbon rx's, Cal rx. Closed loop. 1.5hp chiller, genesis renew. Apex & RKE

06/03/2013, 11:29 AM	#15
johnstringer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 165	Bio Pellet reactor output I have heard the output of the bio pellet reactor should be as close as possible to the skimmer intake. That way the bacteria that gets knocked off the pellets eventually will be removed by the skimmer.

06/03/2013, 11:51 AM	#16
bnumair Dr. Reef at ur service Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok, USA Posts: 7,751 Blog Entries: 15	Its advised but not necessary. If its in ur water skimmer will take it out. __________________ Water Quality: NO3 0,Phos 0,Cal 440,Alk 7.5,Mag 1300 "Reef Fast, You Crash, Reef Slow, You Pass" Mike's Reef 3:16 Current Tank Info: 350g DT,95g sump, 50g Frag tank, 4800gph return 4x Sea swirls. 6x AI Vega Color. 200# Pukani rock, dual recirculating skimmer, Biopellet, GFO Carbon rx's, Cal rx. Closed loop. 1.5hp chiller, genesis renew. Apex & RKE