Raising nitrates without raising phosphates

[Sergio Biundo]

In a stable aquarium for many years and without particular problems how can I raise nitrates without raising phosphates (naturally) without using chemicals? Now I have nitrates at 0 and phosphates at 0.05. I'd like to bring the nitrates down to 2-5 without increasing the phosphates. Thanks.

 

[ColorMeGone]

I use Food Grade Ammonium Bicarbonate to keep my N03 around 10

I would for sure get your nurients up.

 

[exnisstech]

Another vote for ammonium bicarb.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-ammonia-dosing-chart.1123913/

 

[Sergio Biundo]

I've already increased the nutrients, but I'd like to avoid using ammonium bicarbonate. They recommended putting a sponge in the drain, but I'm worried it might also increase the phosphate levels.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

IMO, there's no easy way to raise N and entirely not P without adding some sort of N. Low P foods are available, but not no P.

Why does adding sodium or calcium nitrate concern you? It's neither risky nor prone to any sort of overdose problem since you can add it once and done without a dosing pump.

You could also dose amino acids if they are a more suitable chemical for you. Only concern there is boosting cyano.

 

[Sergio Biundo]

Do sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, or ammonia bicarbonate only increase nitrate levels, or do they increase other values as well? Thanks for the reply.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Do sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, or ammonia bicarbonate only increase nitrate levels, or do they increase other values as well? Thanks for the reply.

Do not use potassium nitrate. It can boost potassium excessively over time.

Ammonium bicarbonate will have no added other ions or parameter change, but needs to be dosed slowly.

Sodium nitrate boosts sodium, but that is no concern because there are huge (10,000 ppm) levels in seawater and that level changes every day based on even just tiny salinity changes.

 

[Sergio Biundo]

Thanks everyone for the explanations