jimandjess3096
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
what about the protein skimmer? it's got a little waterfall thing on it that pours water back into the tank. it's from red sea. it's called red sea prizm.
Lack of anoxic/anaerobic areas within the tank. The bacteria that concert NH3 and NO2 are aerobic. The bacteria that convert the nitrates live in an area supressed or void of O2. It takes much longer for the nitrate consuming bacteria to form. You also need to consider the area's the facultative bacteria have to colonize. Considering the depth of your tank and lack of space to increase the LR with much effect, I would seriously consider a refugium with non-caulerpa macro algaes. More LR will still help but you need something to aid in NNR. Your only other option is keeping up with regular water changes.jimandjess3096 said:what do i need to do to get the nitrate down? how is it that the ammonia and nitrite are perfect but everything else is messed up?
You can wait and see how the added powerheads will help but I honestly think you will have much less pH issues without your current lid. As far as the alkalinity, yes the buffer will help but be very careful how much you add a heed the instructions carefully. Buffers impact the pH just as much so be sure it's dosed in the early AM to reduce the overall daily changes to the pH. If in doubt, rely on water changes until you have a better grasp on your tanks needs.is the lid the only thing i can do to help the ph? and how do i get the alkalinity up? by using the buffer i have?
You make one. It would be a seperate system attached to the main tank. Do a google search for refugiums. You will come up with plenty of DIY applications.jimandjess3096 said:How would I get a "refugium with non caulerpa macro algaes"?
I hope you have also been monitoring the levels of alkalinity and Ca with each addition. The chemistry is going to become so high it will become a factor in the tanks health and there will also be a chance or precipitation. As far as buffering is concerned, it is only a bandaid for the pH it will not fix your problem. Until the CO2 issue is addressed directly, you will continue to have pH problems even with the buffer additions.I have been putting in the buffer, but the tang , once again, is turning red again. The instructions on the buffer say 5ml per 20 gallons, so I've been putting in 15ml of each part.