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Large nitrate spike question?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Trevor0015, Mar 21, 2010.

  1. Mar 21, 2010 #1
    Trevor0015

    Trevor0015 Inactive User

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    Recently my nitrates have gone up too high for convert. I was wondering what the cause was and what maybe a fix or quick fix might be. Bad RO/DI water? Not enough water changes? Any ideas thanks
    Trevor
     
  2. Mar 21, 2010 #2
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

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    How would you rate the bioload in your tank? Doing water changes will help bring it down but they will have to be large water changes before you see much of a difference.
     
  3. Mar 21, 2010 #3
    Trevor0015

    Trevor0015 Inactive User

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    I have a 120 display with a 58 gallon refugium and a 30 gallon sump on the side.. probably about 160-180 gallons of water with two larger tangs and about 15 other smaller fish. running an octopus skimmer rated for 150 gallons and also use another skimmer rated a little smaller on the side(sometimes). I do small but frequent water changes. I was thinking about doing a fairly big water change but was wondering if that would make a big difference or not.

    Trevor
     
  4. Mar 22, 2010 #4
    phishcrazee Riverside

    phishcrazee Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Cleaning out areas were detritus can accumulate can help, especially if they haven't been cleaned in awhile-filter socks, sponge filters, detritus accumulation in a sump, etc. When I've had nitrates, it usually means I need to clean more /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif
     
  5. Mar 22, 2010 #5
    Trevor0015

    Trevor0015 Inactive User

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    So you think a filter sock on my overflow line would help the problem?

    Trevor
     
  6. Mar 22, 2010 #6
    phishcrazee Riverside

    phishcrazee Experienced Reefkeeper

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    It might help with detritus build-up in your sump, which might be a cause of nitrates-not sure it would help the current nitrate problem.  If you have anything/anywhere that collects detritus, I've found that cleaning those areas helps with nitrates.
     
  7. Mar 22, 2010 #7
    Trevor0015

    Trevor0015 Inactive User

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    I have a spot in my sump that I think may need some cleaning but I don't know if its big enough to cause high nitrate problems but I'll clean it anyways..

    Trevor
     
  8. Mar 24, 2010 #8
    Trevor0015

    Trevor0015 Inactive User

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    Any ideas slovan?
     
  9. Mar 24, 2010 #9
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Don't bother with a filter sock if you can't clean/replace it every few days. If you want quick results, do a couple series of large water changes like 50 gallons each. Doing 20 gallon water changes isn't going to do much with your total water volume. I would also start skimming wet.

    If you really like your current fish stock, you might want to look at getting a denitrator to keep your nitrates down.
     
  10. Mar 24, 2010 #10
    Trevor0015

    Trevor0015 Inactive User

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    Alright I'll try larger water changes.. Soan do you think my fish stock is too high? also I don't know much about denitrators are they expensive wheres a good place to get one?

    Trevor
     
  11. Mar 24, 2010 #11
    REEFer Madness

    REEFer Madness Inactive User

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    You can use macro algae, or remote sand denitrator. Fill a 50 gallon bucket up 3/4 with good sand and use airline tubing to have water flow into the top of the bucket and exit out the side above the sand.
     
  12. Mar 24, 2010 #12
    Trevor0015

    Trevor0015 Inactive User

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    In my refugium I have about 5 to 6 inches of sand with a bunch of chaeto and some purple macro algea wouldn't that be kind of the same thing your saying reefer madness? Thanks for the sugestion

    Trevor
     
  13. Mar 25, 2010 #13
    REEFer Madness

    REEFer Madness Inactive User

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    Yeah, since you do have all that. Better get on those large water changes.
     
  14. Mar 25, 2010 #14
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Posted By Trevor0015 on 03/24/2010 08:57 PM
    Alright I'll try larger water changes.. Soan do you think my fish stock is too high? also I don't know much about denitrators are they expensive wheres a good place to get one?
    Trevor
    If your nitrates are high, chances are your bioload is too high for your tank.  How much do you feed?  Try cutting back on your feeding.
    Aquacave has some cheaper reactors for sale.  Midwest Aquatics used to make them and you might even find a used one out there somewhere.  Here's the link to the Aquacave reactors.  LINK
     
  15. Mar 25, 2010 #15
    Trevor0015

    Trevor0015 Inactive User

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    Alright I'll see if I can get something to work based on what you've guys have said thanks for the advice.

    Trevor
     
  16. Mar 25, 2010 #16
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Are you saying that Midwest Aquatics are out of business? I heard *really* good things about their nitrate reactors. I've been looking for a used one for a while.

    --AJ

     

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