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[markthereefman]

hi there i have a rio 400 system with a recently set up refugium containing chaetamorpha. the issue i am having is with a slight nitrate reading of approx 5-10ppm. the system has approx 20 kg of live rock + some live aragamax sand not a deep sand bed just a 1 inch covering. the tank has approx 6 anthias + 6 green chromis +1 medium sized regal all fed twicw a day.
the tank has been set up for about 3 months and has recently had a diatom bloom. my question refers to the skimmer as i have replaced the bactoballs with small similar sized chunks of live rock. as i now have set up refugium should i consider not having any media at all in the trickle tower? i presumed using small bits of live rock as media would of eliminated any nitrate output. any suggestions as i have an assumption that this may cause my slight nitrate value?.ps i water change every week 5 galls with ro. i intend on keeping sps corals eventually an allready have the standard softs. ps lighting is twin 250w halide + twin actinic on main tank. arcadia plant light on refugium.