Nitrates 0 Phosphates .06

[Steved350]

So I’m running an SPS dominate tank and want to dirty it up a little. Not really trying to increase the PO4 but would like to get the nitrates to around 5-6. My current equipment is a GFO reactor, bio pellets and a large Refugium. I feed pellets twice a day and 3-4 different frozen cubes once a day. I don’t want to feed anymore than I am now because they won’t eat it all. My question is should I take the biopellets offline or reduce them? I’ve never had a tank that chews up nitrate so fast before so I’m kind of in a new realm.

 

[Whipples]

You can dose KNO3 (potassium nitrate) to bring nitrates up without adding PO4. Green Leaf Aquariums sells a powdered form to make your own if you want control over potency and dose volume, others use Spectracide Stump Remover (KNO3 with a "scary" name :) ).

Here is a handy calculator you can use if you go the powdered route:

http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/calculator.htm

 

[Steved350]

So either I dose to bring it up or I shutdown the biopellets. I’m leaning towards the biopellets and then if that doesn’t do it then I’ll dose. I can’t take the Refugium off line due to several fish that live off the pods produced. Opinions?

 

[Whipples]

If you take biopellets down (missed that the first time) do it slowly. I don’t have experience with them but I’ve read plenty of threads where people ran them but wanted more nutrients and that is the most common advice!

 

[Steved350]

Thanks Whipples for the advice.