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08-01-2007, 06:45 PM
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 Long term Nitrate problem Hello, New to the site. I have had a 120 gal tank with a sump for a couple years. It FWLR and some shrimp, starfish and a lobster. It has 100+ pounds of LR and a 3 to 4 inch sand bed. I only have five med to small fish in it right now. The sump has media filter, a nice skimmer and I just added 15 red mangrooves a few weeks ago. I am having to do water changes every couple of weeks to keep my nitrates below 20.My goal is to get the nitrates to unmeasureable and possible move to a reef. Here is what I have tried in the two years I have had the tank. (I know it is not supposed to be this hard) 1. Cut back number of feedings from 3 to 2 and have decreased the amount of food during feedings 2. Upgraded the Skimmer 3. Removed Bio Balls 4. Tried a Nitrate sponge 5. Tried a carbon filter 6. Tried Amquel plus 7.. Just added red mangrooves What else can I try? I am looking to upgrade my clean up crew. It looks like number of hermit crabs has decreased. My cleaner shrimp and cleaner star fish have disappeared in the last few weeks. I have 25 to 50 hermit crabs, one blood shrimp, choc star, purple lobster and one Mex turbo snail (Had 6 and down to one) What do I need to add? I hestitate to add snails because I think they may die due to my Nitrate problem Thanks for the help, John  |
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08-01-2007, 08:05 PM
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| Re: Long term Nitrate problem What are your levels of all your parameters? I strongly suggest you do several 10 gallon water changes, if not a large one to begin with to start getting these levels lower. I also urge you to do at least a 5% water change a week regularly keep your parameters in check. I stay away from adding chemicals to rid nitrates and phosphates. You also may consider (since you have a DSB) to add some new LS to it or perhaps some GARF grunge. I can't personally vouch for this, but I have read a lot of positive stuff about the rubble he sells to add to your sand. A tridacna clam will thrive well soaking up nitrates, but I'm not sure how the lobster would react to it.
__________________ Onward through the fog! |
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08-01-2007, 08:13 PM
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| Re: Long term Nitrate problem Sorry for the stupid questions. What is LS and GARF Grunge? |
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