Nitrate Will Not Budge

[wesleydalton]

My tank is about 3 months old. Moderately stocked 55 gallon reef tank with 29 gallon sump.

Stocking list m:
2 clowns
Sixline Wrasse
Royal Gramma
Tonini Tang

Mixed corals. Softies, LPS, SPS

Sump
Filter Sock (changed ever few days)
Refugium with chaeto and AI Fuge light running opposite of display lights. Also using Seachem DeNitrate

Nitrates running 30-40ppm

I found that my original source water had nitrates in it (about 10-20ppm). Started buying RO water from the LFS. Have done a few 10% water changes every few days. Using RO for top off. The Nitrates won’t budge. The corals seem fine. The fish are fine. Am I just too worried. What else can I do?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

You really shouldn't buy water from the LFS, who knows when they replace their filters, or what bored employees might do... Buy distilled water from the grocery store, but having your own rodi unit is really ideal.

What test kit are you using?

Is your chaeto growing?

How often do you feed and how much?

Its not a cause to worry IMO, but at the same time, its higher than I keep mine, and concerning that you seem unable to reduce nitrates.

 

[lmfbs]

Nitrates at 30 - 40ppm is fine. Personally, I only become concerned if they're over around 50. After making sure your source is nitrate free, reduce your feeding, increase your export if it's something you really want to manage.

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

You really shouldn't buy water from the LFS, who knows when they replace their filters, or what bored employees might do... Buy distilled water from the grocery store, but having your own rodi unit is really ideal.

What test kit are you using?

Is your chaeto growing?

How often do you feed and how much?

Its not a cause to worry IMO, but at the same time, its higher than I keep mine, and
concerning that you seem unable to reduce nitrates.

That’s all I use for my mixed nano. Bottled distilled water from the store.

 

[wesleydalton]

You really shouldn't buy water from the LFS, who knows when they replace their filters, or what bored employees might do... Buy distilled water from the grocery store, but having your own rodi unit is really ideal.

What test kit are you using?

Is your chaeto growing?

How often do you feed and how much?

Its not a cause to worry IMO, but at the same time, its higher than I keep mine, and concerning that you seem unable to reduce nitrates.

Buying my own RODI setup is definitely something I’m going to do eventually. I know the manager at LFS and know I can trust their water.

Using Hannah Nitrate Checker

Yes! Chaeto is growing

Usually feed 1/2 mysis shrimp once a day. On the weekend I may do a very, very small pinch of flakes. I do put a small piece of nori for the tang.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I hope someone more knowledgeable can help, I'm stumped, and curious.

 

[wesleydalton]

I hope someone more knowledgeable can help, I'm stumped, and curious.

Thank you!

 

[BryanM]

Thank you!

I also think I'd just start to worry around 40.. I've seen way dirtier water tanks that are extremely successsful, so part of this is really just lookoing at the tank and letting it tell you how things are going as well. There's really a wide range of acceptable N & P.

I would prioritize getting a RODI Set up. If that's really not going to happen soon, I'd buy a handheld TDS meter so you can test your LFSes water. I consider water the life-blood of our tanks, and IMO RODI is a manditory piece of equipment for this hobby.

 

[vlangel]

I have a set up very similar in volume to yours. Mine is very mature but I like the nitrates to be in 30 ppm range for a tank that is mostly softies and LPS. If you are not having excess nuisance algae I would not worry about it.

 

[wesleydalton]

I have a set up very similar in volume to yours. Mine is very mature but I like the nitrates to be in 30 ppm range for a tank that is mostly softies and LPS. If you are not having excess nuisance algae I would not worry about it.

Thank you! Knock on wood, I don’t have any algae problems in the display. Thank you!

 

[wesleydalton]

I also think I'd just start to worry around 40.. I've seen way dirtier water tanks that are extremely successsful, so part of this is really just lookoing at the tank and letting it tell you how things are going as well. There's really a wide range of acceptable N & P.

I would prioritize getting a RODI Set up. If that's really not going to happen soon, I'd buy a handheld TDS meter so you can test your LFSes water. I consider water the life-blood of our tanks, and IMO RODI is a manditory piece of equipment for this hobby.

Thank you! I’m going to make sure to get my RODI set up

 

[vlangel]

Thank you! Knock on wood, I don’t have any algae problems in the display. Thank you!

Just keep an eye on it but I think you will be ok. Here is my tank: