Nitrates keep bottoming out

[Jaybeastin]

I have a 90g tank and with about 15 fishes. My tank is loaded with fishes and I’m still struggling to keep my nitrates above 5 ppm. My LPS aren’t doing well with stable parameters other than low nitrates and that’s the only reason I can find. I feed a ton too

Parameters.

All 7.5
Cal 430
Mag 1500
Phosphate .03
Nitrate 2-5

 

[bluemon]

do you have a skimmer and a refugium?

Honestly, I would tell you to feed more

Not just the fish, but spot feeding the LPS that can eat, or just broadcast feeding even, with small particulate foods

 

[CHSUB]

My LPS aren’t doing well

Look for another problem besides no3….i have had tanks for decades without measurable no3 and so have many others. It’s a new thing to worry about, and it shouldn’t be; it started as, “corals can tolerate high no3” to “they need high no3” and they don’t.

 

[Leadfooted]

I have a 90, dealt with the same issue. I used NeoNitro which worked very well. My nitrate seems to have balanced in the safe zone now but I keep it on hand when my NO3 drops again. Nori on clips at first light and more during the afternoon works wonders as well.

 

[kingranch2003]

Is alk consistently 7.5? That is a bit on the lower side if this number isn't right before a water change or dose. Your lps would most likely benefit from higher p04. My n03 is never above 5 and p04 never below.2 and lps are always happy. Im not saying these are PERFECT numbers, as I value stability the most. However in your case, those may be considerations.

 

[bluemon]

Is alk consistently 7.5? That is a bit on the lower side if this number isn't right before a water change or dose. Your lps would most likely benefit from higher p04. My n03 is never above 5 and p04 never below.2 and lps are always happy. Im not saying these are PERFECT numbers, as I value stability the most. However in your case, those may be considerations.

I think 7.5 fine especially with the lower nutrient levels.

I also like mine a bit higher as well for that buffer, but 7.5 is above NSW levels even

 

[kingranch2003]

I think 7.5 fine especially with the lower nutrient levels.

I also like mine a bit higher as well for that buffer, but 7.5 is above NSW levels even

Agreed. That's why I was asking if this was the usual number or an alk swing. A big alk swing would certainly have adverse effects, but 7.5 is on the lower end of the spectrum, and these are numbers from one test. If that 7.5 is a fairly consistent number, I agree that it's probably something else.

 

[Jaybeastin]

do you have a skimmer and a refugium?

Honestly, I would tell you to feed more

Not just the fish, but spot feeding the LPS that can eat, or just broadcast feeding even, with small particulate foods

I don’t lol I have a reefmat but I turned it off

 

[Jaybeastin]

I have a 90, dealt with the same issue. I used NeoNitro which worked very well. My nitrate seems to have balanced in the safe zone now but I keep it on hand when my NO3 drops again. Nori on clips at first light and more during the afternoon works wonders as well.

I might try more nori thanks

 

[Jaybeastin]

Agreed. That's why I was asking if this was the usual number or an alk swing. A big alk swing would certainly have adverse effects, but 7.5 is on the lower end of the spectrum, and these are numbers from one test. If that 7.5 is a fairly consistent number, I agree that it's probably something else.

Lights are good too . Only thing I can’t test is minor elements

 

[Jaybeastin]

Look for another problem besides no3….i have had tanks for decades without measurable no3 and so have many others. It’s a new thing to worry about, and it shouldn’t be; it started as, “corals can tolerate high no3” to “they need high no3” and they don’t.

Light bar is good . Only thing I can’t trace is minor elements

 

[CHSUB]

Light bar is good . Only thing I can’t trace is minor elements

I had to move a Duncan coral because an emerald crab and a flame Angel were picking at it, now it’s doing great. Imo, you are missing something, no way 2 ppm no3 or lower is going to cause corals not to thrive. As suggested, try direct feeding, however your no3 and po4 are not limiting.