We have a sixty five gallon tank which seems to always have high nitrate levels> all other levels are fine> we have a wet dry (Bio ball) filter- and have recently installed a protein skimmer. any help would be much appreciated...
phughes577
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We have a sixty five gallon tank which seems to always have high nitrate levels> all other levels are fine> we have a wet dry (Bio ball) filter- and have recently installed a protein skimmer. any help would be much appreciated...
Do you regularly clean out the bio balls? They can be good for a tank but need regular attention which in my opinion can be a pain as bio balls can become a nitrate factory.
More details about your system will be helpful such as how long as it been set up, how much LR, livestock, ect.
More details about your system will be helpful such as how long as it been set up, how much LR, livestock, ect.
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haven't cleaned the bio balls yet...we just took over the tank (about a month ago) and didn't want to lose any beneficial bacteria it may have contained. Whats the best way to clean the bio balls? I was also told it may be good to limit the number of bio balls...i was going to cut the number in half at least... just didn't want to do too many changes too quickly.
couple thoughts
best way to lower nitrates extra water changes. do a couple a week or larger one a 50% water change won't kill ya! or the tank. as far as the bio balls I say get rid of them the easy way is to replace them with live rock 25% at a time over a month will be very safe. also you might want to cut back on your feeding for abit and don't add any fish till you get the problem under control.
best way to lower nitrates extra water changes. do a couple a week or larger one a 50% water change won't kill ya! or the tank. as far as the bio balls I say get rid of them the easy way is to replace them with live rock 25% at a time over a month will be very safe. also you might want to cut back on your feeding for abit and don't add any fish till you get the problem under control.
If you keep the bioballs you can clean them out by swishing them around in a 5 gal bucket with tank water. Depending on the aquarium (really in most home aquarium applications) it may be beneficial to get rid of them altogether.
Waterchanges will be the best thing to reduce the nitrate level, than altering your filtration/circulation will be the best thing to keep them down. Increased protein skimming, better water circulation, refugiums, and deep sand beds can all be used to help keep nitrates down.
Waterchanges will be the best thing to reduce the nitrate level, than altering your filtration/circulation will be the best thing to keep them down. Increased protein skimming, better water circulation, refugiums, and deep sand beds can all be used to help keep nitrates down.
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I've removed about half the bio-balls, and will do another 25% water change next week. we do have live sand and are building up our live rock (but is pricey!) what is cheato?
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