You don't think that anoxic bacteria turning no3 into nitrogen gas is dilution of no3? ...or that changing 5 gallons on 36 is more dilution than 5 on 40?
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I think nitrate level with 36 gallons of water is not the real problem.You don't think that anoxic bacteria turning no3 into nitrogen gas is dilution of no3? ...or that changing 5 gallons on 36 is more dilution than 5 on 40?
In not enough water volume is the problem.4 tangs and a cow fish and clownfish
like is said in a previous post - ask 10 reefers a question - you will get 50 answers. IMHO - there is no need to add 'sand'. I have 1/4 - to zero inches of sand in my tank. I like the look of sand - I dont think its a benefit - until it becomes a liabilityYou did read this is a 40 gallon right? Adding 2” of sand would likely change it to 36 gallons (if there is nothing else In it).
taking volume away at this point seems to be a big mistake because the solution to pollution is dilution.
Api tests are not notoriously inaccurate..... Unless you have some proof - many people who post say 'they are inaccurate' - but in reality - so what?Lots of things you can do to reduce nitrates, but I also agree, use a better test. APIs are notoriously inaccurate.
Pick your flavour of macro algae to grow in your tank, chaeto is the most popular and the tangs won't eat it.
DIY algae scrubber/chaeto reactor.
Nitrate remover filter pads.
Larger/more frequent water changes.
Carbon Dosing.
And while I agree that many tangs in a 40 is a hefty bioload, that can be dealt with. As long as they're happy and healthy, don't listen to the Tang Fuzz.
no clue what you're trying to say?You don't think that anoxic bacteria turning no3 into nitrogen gas is dilution of no3? ...or that changing 5 gallons on 36 is more dilution than 5 on 40?
It w0uld be good if you quoted the post you're referring to. Otherwise no one knows to what you're referringYou don't think that anoxic bacteria turning no3 into nitrogen gas is dilution of no3? ...or that changing 5 gallons on 36 is more dilution than 5 on 40?
I love the look of sand too. I have about 1-2” in my tank. but it’s only for the look and making the tank brighter.like is said in a previous post - ask 10 reefers a question - you will get 50 answers. IMHO - there is no need to add 'sand'. I have 1/4 - to zero inches of sand in my tank. I like the look of sand - I dont think its a benefit - until it becomes a liability
I was waiting for that
No experience with either.Anyone use seachem denitrate or matrix. Will be adding it to a hob filter
Not all API test kits are inaccurate. The nitrate one is a fine swag, just like many other type of nitrate test kits... most probably use the same method since there are not a plethora of ways to detect nitrate in saltwater for a reasonable price. Probably a good idea not to lump every type of API test kit in with one and another... and could have this discussion another thread.
If people don't like or want sand, that is OK... plenty do not want it or like it. Hard to argue that a few inches does indeed remove nitrates very efficiently while leaving the perfect amount for coral growth and also limiting nuisance algae, dinos, diatoms and matting bacteria. It does need work every handful of years and it not good in perpetuity if not maintained. It is a good solution for a lot of people. ...and it works in any size tank. Not mentioning it as an option in any discussion where somebody wants lower nitrates shows a lack of knowledge or experience, IMO. It is just an option, like many other options to solve the problem. In mature tanks with established sand beds, it works better than any amount of water changes at just keeping nitrate low.
I also forgot to mention a sulphur denitrator, but this is a more involved solution that is often very expensive and best used for chronic high nitrate tanks that are not going to be upgraded or changed, or the owner has done all that they can to keep nitrate down. On the good side, you can move them from tank to tank.
However, if your tank has a huge bio load, then it might not be able to keep up.
Yup, my API told me the same thing, I worked for months on both Nitrate and phosphate just to find out that those test are not sensitive enough to detect small amounts.
API never left 25ppm, whereas Salifert and ICP showed 5ppm, which what was expected
Phosphates of 0.02ppm with nitrates of 25ppm is out of balance and may contribute to pest algae’s and/or cyano appearing.
phosphates of 0.02ppm would work better with nitrates in the 2-5ppm range.
I don’t use Vinegar at all, did nothing for me. Nopox I have used for years, working every time but took 3-5 months to bring nitrate from 50 to 5ppm.
PFFT If only it were so easy.You can do 20 percent water changes - in 7 days it will be 20