A Hello from Southern California

Hello everyone,

I have a FOWLR tank but this site seams to have lots of information that would apply to all tanks and helpful contributors as well.

Hopefully my limited knowledge (3 Years) will be a benefit to someone.

I have been fighting nitrates since the day I got my 110 gallon tank from a neighbor who was moving. Currently at 80 down from 160+. It was under cared for when I got it. I have a DIY denitrater that has yet to yield any results. Thinking about purchasing one. Any thoughts or experience to share? I have tried to keep a refugium but have not had much luck keeping it going. I have some cheo in it right now but as of yet no improvement.

 

Welcome to 3reef.

What kind of sand do you have?

What is your stock list?

How much live rock?

 

Welcome to 3reef first of all!
As for your nitrate problem, reduced feeding, small weekly water changes, efficient filtration and reduced bioload should help. Refugiums also come in handy for removing nitrates and phosphates among other pertinent values essential for maintaining a marine aquarium.
Good luck!

 

DSB, about 3-4 inches, not sure of the type but it has been in the tank for 5 years. The depth is not consistent due to my convict goby.
4 Clowns, one puffer, one tang, one coral beauty, 3 damsels and the goby.
About 100 lbs of live rock between the tank and the sump/refugium.

 

Welcome to 3reef Raimond. Wish I could help on the nitrate problem, but I have no suggestions but I hope someone can help you out with that!

 

Thanks for the suggestions.
1. Reduced feeding - not possible as the wife helps with this, more is better in her eyes. She would feed them twice daily until they stopped eating if she could.
2. Water changes - I have done four 25 gal changes in the last 3 weeks. Nitrates drop for about a day then right back up to 60-80.
3. Refugium - I have a small amount of Chaeo in it right now, just added it on Friday, not enough time I know.

Keep the ideas coming, I need all the assistance I can get with this issue.
I read that you do not need to feed the coil denitraters but all the commercial ones suggest feeding them weekly. Input?

 

I have RO/DI and just changes all the filters and flushed the system. Checked the nitrates coming out and they were 0.

 

you will need a few big water changes

 

Welcome, try "Algae Turf Scrubber"