Elimi-np- dosing advice needed

[Kay 2024]

Hi All,

I've been carbon dosing for a few years now and have recently changed over to TM Bacto balance, although my NO3 was high 52.4 my PO4 was in the desired range 0.07. After 6 days of dosing BB my NO3 was 56.0 & PO4 was up to 0.18 so switched to Elimi-np. Last nights testing showed PO4 0.17 - NO3 66.3 - I did a 60L water change immediately. Tank looks fine, not noticing coral/fish stress, no algae growth either. Am currently dosing the daily maximum amount of Elimi np for my tank. Any advice pls?

Tank - 300L - Bare bottom, been set up for 13 months, tank transfer so rock, coral, fish are years with me. Mainly LPS & Zoas, few Sps. Quite a large fish load, including copperband, which needs heavy feeding.

PO4 =0.17
NO3 =66.3
KH =7.9
CA=410
MAG =1400
PH=8.1
TM pro salt.
AFR.
KH booster.

TIA

 

[Hans-Werner]

Hi All,

I've been carbon dosing for a few years now and have recently changed over to TM Bacto balance, although my NO3 was high 52.4 my PO4 was in the desired range 0.07. After 6 days of dosing BB my NO3 was 56.0 & PO4 was up to 0.18 so switched to Elimi-np. Last nights testing showed PO4 0.17 - NO3 66.3 - I did a 60L water change immediately. Tank looks fine, not noticing coral/fish stress, no algae growth either. Am currently dosing the daily maximum amount of Elimi np for my tank. Any advice pls?

Tank - 300L - Bare bottom, been set up for 13 months, tank transfer so rock, coral, fish are years with me. Mainly LPS & Zoas, few Sps. Quite a large fish load, including copperband, which needs heavy feeding.

PO4 =0.17
NO3 =66.3
KH =7.9
CA=410
MAG =1400
PH=8.1
TM pro salt.
AFR.
KH booster.

TIA

Hi Kay,

Your results are hard to explain and not in agreement with most other experiences. I wonder where you have X.Y results for nitrate and phosphate from. I think some of the fluctuations is testing error/variation.

I also wondered whether some of the testing error for nitrate might be from minor nitrite contribution/fluctuation.

 

[Kay 2024]

Hi Kay,

Your results are hard to explain and not in agreement with most other experiences. I wonder where you have X.Y results for nitrate and phosphate from. I think some of the fluctuations is testing error/variation.

I also wondered whether some of the testing error for nitrate might be from minor nitrite contribution/fluctuation.

Hi Hans,

Thank you so much for your quick reply, its really appreciated.

I use Hanna test kits for PO4, NO3, KH, although to be honest, I don't even have a nitrite test kit to check that! I can always pick one up/borrow one from a reefer friend if knowing the result would help you guide me?

Yes, am totally baffled with it, nothing has died in the tank, as I said tank looks good.

NO3 has always been a battle - I have used TM Elimi-Phos rapid on doser up until I changed to BB, that held my PO4 perfect at tiny daily dose of 0.6ml per day.