Is this a bad Idea?

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VAguy39

Aquarium Advice Regular
Joined
Jan 22, 2005
Messages
71
Location
Virginia
I added an AquaClear HOB filter to my 26 Gal tank. It had been running with only a HOB Skimmer. I have 35lbs of live rock and about 2 inches of sand. I added the filter because I was looking for a place to run different types of media like carbon and such. I know I need to keep the filter clean or it can add Nitrates. I already have a bit of a problem with nitrates. I can never seem to get them below 30. I do weekly 25% water changes with LFS pre made RO salt, and I use their RO fresh water for top offs. I have checked their water for excess Nitrates, and Phosphates, all their levels look good. I have a clown, a royal gramma, firefish, and cleaner shrip in the tank. I feed once a day. I have added quite a few nice corals to my tank and they all look good, but I really want to drive my Nitrates down to below 10 if possible.

Ant thought?

Thanks,
 
I do not think Carbon will help your Nitrates, but you could build a simply DIY denitrator. I built one for my 175 and in about 6 weeks in took my Nitrates from ~25 to undetecable. I am happy with it and it only took a little while to tune it in properly. I am working on the diagrams for the denitrator and the Kalk Reactor so as soon as I put them together I will post the info.
 
Fish load is certainly not a problem. I would turn to feeding as a possible source of the high NO3. Cut backt o very light feedings every other day. What do you curently feed and how much? You can also add another 10-15lbs of LR to help with the NO3.
 
I alternate between pellets, mysis, formula 1 frozen, and sometimes flakes when i am in a hurry. Feeding may be my problem, I do try to go easy on the feedings but I notice some food does make it to the bootom and does not get eaten right away, I do have a good amount of hermit crabs to help with the cleanup. I will try cutting back on the feedings.

Thanks,
 
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