OMG my nitrates are over 100!

[markc212]

On the marine depot site, if you search for "Beware Rubbermaid" there's an 8-page dialog about using trash cans for water collection. It's pretty scary. I think I'm going to have to stop using this solution as it's likely this is a big possible source of my phosphate control problems.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by markc212 http:///t/393818/omg-my-nitrates-are-over-100/20#post_3511364
On the marine depot site, if you search for "Beware Rubbermaid" there's an 8-page dialog about using trash cans for water collection. It's pretty scary. I think I'm going to have to stop using this solution as it's likely this is a big possible source of my phosphate control problems.

I have used two 37g Brute plastic trash cans to store my mixed saltwater for 12 years with no issues at all. I have had reef tanks most of that time, and now keep seahorses.

 

[beaslbob]

Quote:
Originally Posted by markc212 http:///t/393818/omg-my-nitrates-are-over-100#post_3511349
Hmmm. This is a really interesting idea. So if I'm reading this correctly, you're suggesting that I make a ton of RO water, put a potentially large amount of macros in the garbage can, and let the macros pull the phosphates out over time. Maybe a couple of weeks later, use the "cleaner" water to top off the DT. I guess I'd have to put a light over the garbage can to keep the macros growing. I don't know much about macros. I have chaeto in the HOB fuge currently. Does chaeto require a certain temperature to survive? I might need to add a heater and a source of flow too.
If the phosphates in the can are ridiculously high, how long do you think I'd have to have the macros eating away at it before the water is usable in the tank? I'm guessing it could be months! But, maybe once the chaeto does it's job, there won't be any more phosphates to leach out of the garbage bin and I can use it as a large collection bin again.
My current alternative is to fill up my 5 buckets with RO water and put that into the DT. The buckets don't seem to have this phosphate issue. Maybe I'll just use my garbage can to collect the old waste water from the DT.
This whole phosphates issue is seriously turning my brain upside down.
Macros will require stored saltwater. And you may have to feed them some nitrates. But you get them thriving and phosphates will come down quickly. Not months and months but rather days and weeks.
If you are storing ro/di FW then you would have to use FW plants/algae.
Or just use your buckets.
Just some rambling thoughts worth nor more then the usual .02

 

[markc212]

OK, so after some serious investigative testing, I think I've figured out where my phosphates are coming from. It's my BUFFER!
Using the API test kit, I've tested my water every step of the way.
tap water: deep blue, full of phosphates
after running through RO: clear, no phosphates
testing straight from the garbage can: clear, no phosphates
after adding salt: clear, no phosphates
after adding buffer: practically black, full of phosphates
Called my authoritative LFS and they're like "Why are you adding buffer? Your salt mix naturally buffers your water." Uh, because you told me that the A/B calcium additive wouldn't hold if the water wasn't buffered to pH 8.2. Either I've been using a bad brand of buffer for saltwater tanks, or I've simply been adding it without the need. Either way, I've now done 2 20% water changes and I'm starting to see the phosphates come down a bit. Still ridiculouly high, but it's moving in the right direction for now.
The good news is that it's not my RO unit, it's not the garbage cans (at least not significantly), and hopefully I'm on a path to resolving the situation. The bad news is that I think I've been putting high phosphate water into my tank for the past 6 months and it's going to take a while to leach it all out of the rocks. Oy.