What Do High Nitrates Really Do?

[ophiura]

It would absolutely be a problem for a seastar. Absolutely.
Long term, high nitrates (which can also indicate high levels of other compounds) have been proposed as a possible cause of head and lateral line erosion in certain fish (HLLE).
In addition, I would GENERALLY say your tank is pretty crowded. It is your call, of course, but just for pure space concerns - water quality aside, I would not add more fish.
I am not a person who would say "oh my gosh panic!" at a nitrate level of 200, but I would suggest trying to make an impact on that. It is overall a sign of a maintenance and high nutrient load issue. High nutrient loads can result in pH issues due to increase in microbial activity and that also can be a problem for fish.
Overall, it is a concern to me as a symptom of a problem with the tank. It is, IMO, playing with fire. There is no reason whatsoever, IMO, that you can't pretty easily reduce the nitrate levels in a 80g tank through regular water changes, reasonable stocking and feeding, siphoning crushed coral, and ensuring the skimmer is running efficiently.

 

[triton]

Originally Posted by ophiura
It would absolutely be a problem for a seastar. Absolutely.
Long term, high nitrates (which can also indicate high levels of other compounds) have been proposed as a possible cause of head and lateral line erosion in certain fish (HLLE).
In addition, I would GENERALLY say your tank is pretty crowded. It is your call, of course, but just for pure space concerns - water quality aside, I would not add more fish.
I am not a person who would say "oh my gosh panic!" at a nitrate level of 200, but I would suggest trying to make an impact on that. It is overall a sign of a maintenance and high nutrient load issue. High nutrient loads can result in pH issues due to increase in microbial activity and that also can be a problem for fish.
Overall, it is a concern to me as a symptom of a problem with the tank. It is, IMO, playing with fire. There is no reason whatsoever, IMO, that you can't pretty easily reduce the nitrate levels in a 80g tank through regular water changes, reasonable stocking and feeding, siphoning crushed coral, and ensuring the skimmer is running efficiently.
Ophiura,
I am certain I will not be able to control the nitrates without removing the bio-balls. Do you think there would be any issues with removing the balls (90lb live rock)? Could I use the area as a refugim?

 

[promisetbg]

Originally Posted by Triton
Ophiura,
I am certain I will not be able to control the nitrates without removing the bio-balls. Do you think there would be any issues with removing the balls (90lb live rock)? Could I use the area as a refugim?
You would be better off to remove the bioballs & rely on the LR for filtration. Yes you could make it a fuge.

 

[triton]

Originally Posted by promisetbg
You would be better off to remove the bioballs & rely on the LR for filtration. Yes you could make it a fuge.
Is there anything special I should do to make it a fuge, or just leave it and let it become a fuge on its own?

 

[brian69535]

Just so you know tap water has chlorine in it (all tapwater has too to make it drinkable). The chlorine in the tapwater kills your good algae your bio balls are producing.

 

[wattsupdoc]

I would take out the bioballs and put LR rubble in its place.

You do realize that it is possible to have an efficiently opperating FOWLR and have 0 nitrates? The LR will help in the FULL biofilter process. Syphon the CC as suggested, or better yet, change it to a SSB.

My 65 has 0 nitrates and I do very infrequent water changes. Low bioload there though. 3 fish but there all pigs. I see high trates as a pollutant. You dont like breathing heavy smog do you? Is it gonna kill you in a few months, not likely, will constant exposure shorten you're lifespan, possibly. It's just bad husbandry IMO.
my pennys
Charlie