Nitrate problem

[cloienc27]

I have recently added more live rock into my tank. The rock came from another fish tank that has a major nitrate problem. I am assuming this is why my tank has recently become high in nitrates itself. If anyone has any good recomendations to help reduce the problem then that would be great. I am currently doing about a 10% water change every week. But the levels have not eased up much at all. I have a 44gal breeder tank, I wouldnt think it would be that hard to get it out. All the rocks now have the good algea all over it...what do I do now?

 

[sepulatian]

What exactly is the nitrate reading? How old is the system? Do you have a refugium or a deep sand bed? You can do larger and more frequent water changes until they come down.

 

[bang guy]

Do you know how this new rock was cycled? This is the classic sign that the live rock was exposed to high ammonia levels during the cycle.

 

[cloienc27]

The type of test I have is where I mix solutions together, and then it turns a dark red. My sand is about and inch and a half thick.

 

[beth]

What is your nitrate level?

 

[sepulatian]

Right, please post the exact number. I am guessing that your tank does not have a way to naturally export the nitrates (DSB or fuge) so you will have to do it manually with the water changes.

 

[cloienc27]

The number is like close to 160. I do not have a natural way to export the nitrates, and honestly dont know how to go that route.

 

[florida joe]

As Bang said if the rock you introduced has a significant die off you introduced a great food supply for your nitrifying bacteria hence more end product of nitrates. If you split live rock you will see dark areas that’s the anaerobic spots in your live rock that feed off nitrates. but IMO not a very efficient export Sep I believe was referring to algae and the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria in a DSB as a natural way to export nitrates. With you size tank I would research the feasibility of a refugium

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by cloienc27
http:///forum/post/2579669
The number is like close to 160. I do not have a natural way to export the nitrates, and honestly dont know how to go that route.
160? Wow, get some water mixed to do some changes. If the PH, SG, and temp match the display then you can do 50% changes. Joe is right, I was talking about the use of a refugium and/or a deep sand bed. You may be better off with a refugium for natural export of nitrates.