Nitrate and PH

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Mikeyb, May 24, 2015.

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

  1. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    How frequently do you clean the canister? Trapped detritus breaks down and dumps DOCs into your tank, elevating Nitrate production.

    As mentioned, your pH is fine as long as it doesn't drop lower than 7.8.
     
    mdbostwick and Billme like this.
  2. Click Here!

  3. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2013
    Messages:
    1,287
    Location:
    Bakersfield, Ca
    As stated by Mr Bill, the canister is my concern. I'm also skeptical about the capacity of the skimmer. Water changes and filtering are likely the areas to work on. If you are absolutely dedicated to a good running system, you'll probably need a sump and larger skimmer. It doesn't sound like the tank is overstocked with fish.
     
    Mr. Bill likes this.
  4. Mikeyb

    Mikeyb Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2014
    Messages:
    149
    Location:
    Fairview TN
    Tank has been setup since Feb 1st, weekly water changes.
     
  5. Mikeyb

    Mikeyb Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2014
    Messages:
    149
    Location:
    Fairview TN
    Tank has been setup since Feb 1st, weekly water changes.
    I clean the canister every Wednesday.
     
  6. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2013
    Messages:
    1,899
    Location:
    Canton OH
    If you aren't having an issue with algae, you really shouldn't get overly concerned with some nitrates. I would increase the amount of water you change out or increase the frequency of them to make sure you keep them under control. Without macro algae you will probably always have nitrates.
     
    Billme and Mr. Bill like this.
  7. Mikeyb

    Mikeyb Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2014
    Messages:
    149
    Location:
    Fairview TN
    Can you purchase macro algae?
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2013
    Messages:
    1,287
    Location:
    Bakersfield, Ca
    You can find it easily. The problem is you have to have a place to grow it. Another reason a sump comes in handy.
     
  10. Mikeyb

    Mikeyb Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2014
    Messages:
    149
    Location:
    Fairview TN
    If I made an algae turf scrubber would that help at all?
     
    mdbostwick and Billme like this.
  11. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    Messages:
    6,344
    Location:
    Dunnellon, Florida
  12. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2013
    Messages:
    1,899
    Location:
    Canton OH
    Agreed! It will take a couple weeks to start really pulling nutrients out so don't give up on it.