Nitrate and Phosphate Help

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by mdbostwick, Jun 4, 2014.

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  1. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    Actually MD, I don't have a clue where to start but I'll see what I can find out tomorrow.
     
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  3. Servillius

    Servillius Montipora Digitata

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    A. Do you know anyone with a microscope? I bought one for this reason, they can be as cheap as $40.
    B. Consider looking into a bombing of good bacteria. Dr. Tim's has a recipe for red slime removal that may work wonders. Hell, go post in Dr. Tim's forum here; he'll help. (Other options include Prodibio or Cyanoclean, but as much as I love Zeovit, I'd start with Dr. Tim's on this one)
    C. Carbon. Drive the growth of good bacteria to eliminate nutrients and outcompete this stuff.
     
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  4. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    A. Do you know anyone with a microscope? I bought one for this reason, they can be as cheap as $40

    That may be what it comes down to, but my first thought was to find someone with expertise in identifying and perhaps treating algae.

    B. Consider looking into a bombing of good bacteria. Dr. Tim's has a recipe for red slime removal that may work wonders. Hell, go post in Dr. Tim's forum here; he'll help. (Other options include Prodibio or Cyanoclean, but as much as I love Zeovit, I'd start with Dr. Tim's on this one)
    C. Carbon. Drive the growth of good bacteria to eliminate nutrients and outcompete this stuff.

    I think MD said that chemicals would be his last resort
     
  5. Servillius

    Servillius Montipora Digitata

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    Tanks are big tubs full of chemicals. If you're not gonna use em, take up kayaking instead. I mean I'm just kidding around, not trying to be flippant, but your options here are to keep doing water changes and wait, which doesn't appear to have been very successful, or taking active measures to encourage a healthier bacterial environment.

    Personally, I'd consider Chemiclean as a last resort, but if we're saying that sort of antibacterial chemical is out, I can understand. You really can't write off anything in a bottle however.
     
  6. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    I guess i wasn't specific when i said "chemicals". Chemiclean is antibacterial and so it seems this would damage my bio-filter. I had been wondering if adding good bacteria may out-compete the cyano.

    Adding bottled bacteria i don't have a problem with if it would help. But i don't know how all the bacteria work, so i don't know if bottled bacteria even consumes the same nutrients.
     
  7. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    I have read many positive reviews of Dr. Tim's products
     
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  9. Servillius

    Servillius Montipora Digitata

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    I definitely think you could benefit from popping over to Dr. Tim's forum and asking your questions there. The more I think about it, the more I think he can help.
     
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  10. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

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    So a couple of things I am doing to try to fix this problem;

    Saturday, did another 20% WC and changed filter floss in the sump added a filter sock to the drain

    Sunday, built an ATS and got that up and running over my sump, no noticeable growth at this point.

    Monday, added a second Jebao wp25 facing the first one, still need to get the twin controller

    I think I may start using the dr tim's waste away if he responds to my question and after i take a look at the product.

    Anyone ever use the waste away?
     
  11. Servillius

    Servillius Montipora Digitata

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    I have. You can use it regularly according to the directions on the bottle. I think his suggestion is to use it more frequently in smaller doses for now.
     
  12. FeedYourMachine

    FeedYourMachine Feather Duster

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    Probably be at least the weekend before anything really noticeable ,and it will more than likely be all brown ..Think of it as seasoning the screen,like a cast iron skillet LOL..
    It won't be instant results ,probably at least a month but long term is really worth it..
    Hope you really roughed up the screen,that is key..Good luck
     
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