Lowering nitrates

[Fishfinder]

I have a fairly new tank. I am thinking about setting up a reactor to help keep nitrates down. right now they are around 20. Would I be better using biopellets in a reactor, or using biomedia like brightwells denitrification media in a reactor?

 

[Brew12]

I have a fairly new tank. I am thinking about setting up a reactor to help keep nitrates down. right now they are around 20. Would I be better using biopellets in a reactor, or using biomedia like brightwells denitrification media in a reactor?

That isn't very high. Are you seeing that they are causing you issues?

 

[cwalton00]

Could always carbon dose too

 

[Fishfinder]

Im using the red sea pro nitrate test. It only reads to 4pmm, and diluted test is harder to read, it looks between 20-30. I have started to get diatoms really bad. I have seen most people try to keep them around 10 so I was attempting to bring them down for that reason. I just assumed mine was too high.

 

[cwalton00]

If the tank is new just let the diatoms run their course. I know it sucks to look at but I wouldn't worry about them yet. Keep up on water changes and let the cycle run its course for now.

 

[Fishfinder]

Ok im not in a panic yet, the tank is a little over a month old. I knew the diatoms were part of the process. Just doing some research and planning for the future if I end up needing something

 

[Katrina71]

Use chaeto.

 

[Zack K]

I would set up a refugium. With your little Nitrates I wouldn't worry about a reactor or carbon dosing yet. What do you plan on keeping in this tank? Lost of coral like higher Nitrates

 

[saltyhog]

There is a world of ways to lower nitrate. I have used vinegar dosing in the past with good results. Algae turf scrubbers, biopellet reactors, refugia with macro algae all work.

I had to move and when I re-set up the tank 5 months ago I put two of the Brightwell Xport NO3 bricks in my sump. So far the highest my nitrate has been is 0.25 despite pretty aggressive feeding.