Nitrate reducing media - ok to use?

[westwind77]

I have some issues with Nitrate, around 10 or so and I am trying to get rid of an algae problem that I have. My question, can I run some nitrate reducing media in my wet/dry canister filter?
How well does the nitrate removing media work?
(To answer some questions that may come up, I am not running a sump, and I am not running a skimmer, however I plan to switch all of that around in about a year, will make those adjustment when I move the tank)
Thank!

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by westwind77
http:///forum/post/3056278
I have some issues with Nitrate, around 10 or so and I am trying to get rid of an algae problem that I have. My question, can I run some nitrate reducing media in my wet/dry canister filter?
How well does the nitrate removing media work?
(To answer some questions that may come up, I am not running a sump, and I am not running a skimmer, however I plan to switch all of that around in about a year, will make those adjustment when I move the tank)
Thank!
IMO; your nitrates are well within limits for most tanks. Nitrates don't hurt fish at many times this level and I doubt that would contribute much to any algae problem.
I've had a few set-ups with no LR and tried several nitrate reducing products and I think most are worthless. Sea-Chem's De-nite, a small version of Matrix works, but water flow has to be exact, making it hard to set up. Matrix works too; but it is similar to LR rubble and the media needs room and time to kick in. A lot of folks would kill to get a nitrate level of 10 ppm; I wouldn't worry about it. Just monitor and keep it that low with water changes. Keeping the media in your filter clean will also help. BTW: how much LR and how long has your tank been set up? This could be the answer.

 

[dankbardy31]

Check your phosphate levels that could be the reason for your algae. Doing water changes are a good way to reduce nitrates. Also Chaeto thrives on nitrates and is inexpensive and easy to care for. If you don't know what it is just google it, basically a green tangled fishing line type of macro algae that you can put in a sump, chamber, DT, or wherever. Just give it light and a lot of water movement and its good to go. Some people put it in an aquaclear filter like a mini fuge. Let me know if you have any other questions. But like the other person said 10 is not bad. Water changes every 2 weeks will keep it low, fo sho, hahah. sorry couldn't resist.

 

[westwind77]

Tank (110g x-hi) has been set up just shy of a year, 75-100 lbs of LR in the tank. Not exactly sure (should have weighed it) bought it from someone who was breaking down their 400+ gallon system. Phosphates are 0, all tests that I do are done with the Salifert test kits. The water in the tank & the water out of my RO/DI system (bulk reef supply 75GPD RO/DI 5 Stage *PLUS* System) show 0.
I will take an image of the algae as i have yet to ID it, does not match anything I have searched so far.

 

[spanko]

I will take an image of the algae as i have yet to ID it, does not match anything I have searched so far.
That would help.