Zero Nutrients.

[Gracekain]

There are currently zero detectable levels of nutrients in the water, including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate. My current livestock includes two Frostbite clownfish, a pistol shrimp and yellow watchman goby pair, and a colony of green star polyps. I currently feed a mix of frozen and pellet foods daily, usually once, but sometimes twice, depending on the clownfish.

After two months of setup, I introduced a CUC, followed by the clownfish two weeks later, and then the pistol shrimp/goby pair one week after that. I am having difficulty increasing the nutrient levels. My tank is a modified 36-gallon RedSea all-in-one system. I run a protein skimmer 24/7 and clean the sponges daily. Should I consider turning off the skimmer or decrease the frequency of sponge cleaning, or are zero nutrient levels acceptable?

 

[Euphyllia97]

Do you have any problems in the tank? (Dinoflaggelates, algae,…) if not I wouldn’t try to fix a winning formula. Having 0 nutrients actually means something is consuming all your nutrients so it is not detected in the water. These conditions can become a problem as some pests like dinoflagellates are able to thrive as they are not being outcompeted by other organisms. As long as this is not the case and your tank is happy and healthy, I wouldn’t change anything

 

[Sophie"s mom]

How often and how much do you feed your fish? You could increase that. Also, yes, maybe run the skimmer 24 on/off. See what that does. But I would try feeding more.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’d feed more to reduce dino risk.

 

[Gracekain]

I anticipated a dinoflagellate outbreak in my new tank, but it subsided after only one week. I initiated heavier feeding and have since turned off the protein skimmer. The skimmer produced minimal skimmate, and it was very light in color. The substrate and rocks remain clean, with no algae present. It is possible that my CUC is effectively controlling the situation, or there may simply be insufficient phosphate and nitrite to support algae growth.

While I am pleased with the tank's chemical processing capabilities, I am concerned that the environment may be overly clean, potentially leading to the decline of my CUC. I have also reduced the frequency of mechanical filter cleaning to every other day. I hope this information is helpful.

 

[CHSUB]

There are currently zero detectable levels of nutrients in the water

You are simply below your hobby test kit resolution, which happens to be perfectly acceptable for coral growth and a healthy aquarium.

I anticipated a dinoflagellate outbreak in my new tank

Dinoflagellates are always present imo, outbreaks happen only when nutrients are abundant and aquarium is dirty.

I am concerned that the environment may be overly clean

Nearly impossible without super charging bacteria with feeding. Dust in your home add some nutrients and a single fish provides another ammonia to feed most nano aquariums.

You list only one coral, so….feed your fish, continue with maintenance, turn your skimmer on 100% and don’t worry about mythical ideal nutrient numbers until you have a mature fully stocked aquarium.

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

Add more fish, feed more than once a day. You should even consider running your skimmer part time instead of 24/7.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I anticipated a dinoflagellate outbreak in my new tank, but it subsided after only one week. I initiated heavier feeding and have since turned off the protein skimmer. The skimmer produced minimal skimmate, and it was very light in color. The substrate and rocks remain clean, with no algae present. It is possible that my CUC is effectively controlling the situation, or there may simply be insufficient phosphate and nitrite to support algae growth.

While I am pleased with the tank's chemical processing capabilities, I am concerned that the environment may be overly clean, potentially leading to the decline of my CUC. I have also reduced the frequency of mechanical filter cleaning to every other day. I hope this information is helpful.

I'd keep a skimmer running, even if it only aerates.

 

[frofan]

I found when I wasn’t feeding enough the nutrients would bottom out and cause algae outbreaks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I found when I wasn’t feeding enough the nutrients would bottom out and cause algae outbreaks.

Bottomed out nutrients does not cause algae, although it can be a risk for dinos.