Cant get nitrates to a readable level?

B's Reef · Feb 8, 2019

Okay so I have a 215 gallon reef, trying to get nutrient levels into low, readable ranges. I have increased my bio load, feeding heavily (frozen), I can get my phosphates to increase, but can't get anything to read when I test nitrate. My phosphate got even higher than I wanted, up to .94, back down to .3 now, but I never registered any nitrates. What am I missing here?

ndrwater · Feb 8, 2019

What test are you using? There can be a wide difference in brands as far as ease of use and accuracy.

B's Reef · Feb 8, 2019

Yea, my thoughts exactly. I currently have salifert and api, just ordered the nyos test kit. Should be here monday.

FDAWG · Feb 8, 2019

I use the Salifert Nitrate test kit when measuring NO3 and when I need some Nitrates in my tank I use reagent grade Potassium Nitrate.

KNO3
https://www.loudwolf.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=50

KNO3 Dosing Calculator
http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/calculator.htm

WWIII · Feb 8, 2019

Your po4 was almost 1ppm, but 0 no3? Something doesn't seem right that's for sure! Hope someone has an idea for you what could cause this? Only suggestion I can make is to possibly dose sodium nitrate and see if you get a reading.

ryeguyy84 · Feb 8, 2019

I couldn't get a nitrate reading on any test kit so I submitted an ATI ICP-OES kit and finally showed .06ppm so I started dosing NeoNitro and managed to get it up to 2ppm. It was nice to know where I started so I can dose correctly.

This is the kit I used:
https://clearchoiceaquatics.com/collections/testing-supplies/products/ati-icp-oes-water-analysis

B's Reef · Feb 8, 2019

WWIII said:
Your po4 was almost 1ppm, but 0 no3? Something doesn't seem right that's for sure! Hope someone has an idea for you what could cause this? Only suggestion I can make is to possibly dose sodium nitrate and see if you get a reading.

Thats what Im saying! lol! I will check on Monday with the Nyos test kit and go from there. I just can't wrap my head around the po4 being that high and nitrates sitting at zero. I cant make sense of that.

B's Reef · Feb 8, 2019

ryeguyy84 said:
I couldn't get a nitrate reading on any test kit so I submitted an ATI ICP-OES kit and finally showed .06ppm so I started dosing NeoNitro and managed to get it up to 2ppm. It was nice to know where I started so I can dose correctly.

This is the kit I used:
https://clearchoiceaquatics.com/collections/testing-supplies/products/ati-icp-oes-water-analysis

Thanks for the info! Im definitely considering going that route. We shall see what happens. Was just curious if anyone else has ever experienced this.

ryeguyy84 · Feb 8, 2019

Mine was 0 phosphate and .06 nitrate. Explains why everything was so pale and had some stn [emoji53]. Was low on some other stuff too but I'm getting back in line. It was worth the $ since they test rodi too.

panic · Mar 9, 2019

FDAWG said:
I use the Salifert Nitrate test kit when measuring NO3 and when I need some Nitrates in my tank I use reagent grade Potassium Nitrate.

KNO3
https://www.loudwolf.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=50

KNO3 Dosing Calculator
http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/calculator.htm

I have been reading to add sodium nitrate, but you use potassium nitrate. Why this over the other?

ryeguyy84 · Mar 9, 2019

It will raise your potassium levels. If they are low that's a good thing but you should test them first. I think (don't quote me on this) but sodium nitrate is more potent.