Nitrate drops

[Weeman]

Hi all,
My nitrates in my 15 gallon Hello Reef tank keep dropping, with no change to feeding or anything. I noticed that there are sponges growing in the back chamber on my pre-cycled media bag. Would these sponges be taking the nitrates from the water? It’s getting to the point that it’s too low. I tested yesterday and it was 7 with a water change a week ago.

 

[Mebbid]

Everything that's growing will consume nitrates in some fashion. From copepods consuming algae to corals growing. Sponges would definitely fit in that category.

 

[Weeman]

I just added some Zoas but noticed the drop off a little before but has taken a steeper drop. Would it be a bad idea to remove the pre-cycled media bag? The tank has been running for 5 or so months

 

[exnisstech]

Are you feeding anything?
I wouldn't remove the cycled media especially if it has sponges growing on it.

 

[Fish Fan]

Hi all,
My nitrates in my 15 gallon Hello Reef tank keep dropping, with no change to feeding or anything. I noticed that there are sponges growing in the back chamber on my pre-cycled media bag. Would these sponges be taking the nitrates from the water? It’s getting to the point that it’s too low. I tested yesterday and it was 7 with a water change a week ago.

If they're growing in the back of your filter chamber, I'm going to guess that you're seeing pineapple sponges, like these:

If so, these are common in new tanks, and typically cause no harm, or any real impact to water parameters. They typically self regular, run their course, and die out sooner than later

I hope this helps!

 

[Weeman]

Are you feeding anything?
I wouldn't remove the cycled media especially if it has sponges growing on it.

I’m feeding brine shrimp daily or mix it up with pellets, and just started a low amount of AB+ for my zoas a day ago.