Cant control nitrates

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by kutsujutc, Oct 26, 2012.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. kutsujutc

    kutsujutc Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2011
    Messages:
    189
    What does ATS actually do? I've looked at threads about them and I dont know if they are worth the money??
     
    Last edited: Oct 31, 2012
  2. Click Here!

  3. silverwolf72

    silverwolf72 Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2006
    Messages:
    264
    Location:
    Lake Forest CA
    Algae turf scrubber. plastic screen, cheap CF bulbs, and a little room is really all you need.
    probably the cheapest thing in the tank.

    Algae use nitrates to grow, so you make a place in your sump that is really good at growing algae.

    Also they are great place for pods to grow. I diffidently see an increase in my pod population since adding one
     
  4. ccreviston74

    ccreviston74 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2011
    Messages:
    56
    There are plans for a cheap diy upflow ats on several forums. I believe the guy's name is Santa Monica something.

    For test kits, you might try online. Dr's Foster and Smith had the Red Sea for the cheapest I've seen, and free shipping over $50.
     
  5. kutsujutc

    kutsujutc Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2011
    Messages:
    189
    This was at the end of my 9 hour light cycle. This is cleared up very quickly by my snails but not sure what the direct cause is.
    [​IMG]
     
  6. kutsujutc

    kutsujutc Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2011
    Messages:
    189
  7. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,660
    Location:
    Cincinnati
    I am following this thread very closely because I'm battling the same exact issue with nitrates. I, too, have only used an API test kit. I've added biopellets, increased water changes, added live bacteria, increased skimming, vacuumed sand bed, and very little downward movement in my nitrates. I also have very little algae issues at all. I am keeping few fish at this point and only have mushrooms and xenia as corals. Everything is seemingly happy.....my ultimate goal is to have an anemone, so I'm in this wait until parameters are ok mode for like 2 months now....it's very frustrating, I feel your pain.
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,660
    Location:
    Cincinnati
    When I see people say their nitrates are 0, I think they're liars! j/k
     
  10. kutsujutc

    kutsujutc Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2011
    Messages:
    189
    I'm still battling. Water changes two-three times a week. They have been at 80 for past couple days
     
  11. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,660
    Location:
    Cincinnati
    I feel your pain! I wish someone would give you an answer as to what is going on......I wish I could help but as you saw, I'm battling the same darn thing!