How do "You" control nitrates?

[kamikaziechameleon]

The typical beneficial bacteria in a tank system break ammonia down into nitrite, and then convert nitrite into nitrate. Nitrate is really only actively consumed by plants and algae. Only other way to remove is with a water change. Baring the act of a water change your ammonia and nitrite levels might be low but your nitrate can continue to build.

I use a 180 gallon refugium on my super system in my basement, and I do weekly water changes of 30 percent.

 

[badassissimo]

So ur thinking of a bare bottom setup with blinds and a compartment under them? If so then I guess it could work. Keeping them open and then shutting them when cleaning forcing a water flow in one direction and swooping all waste from the bottom. And with a bio and mechanical filter, it will just substitute gravel vacuuming and make cleaning easier

That's pretty much what I had in mind. I would think I could leave the aquascape alone more often. Likewise, if I planned a backup reservoir just right, I might not need to turn off the filter for a low water level. That could probably help the bacteria stabilize as well. But as far as bare bottom, a grate or screen above would allow gravel or rocks on top. I think it'd be exactly like an under-bed filter except with enough water management to make it effective to a point that it might not need to be lifted or moved. Likewise, I don't think a vacuum would be necessary except probably during a dirty feeding. That's more of a fish behavior variable than a filtration variable.

 

[alexanian]

Gravel or rocks on top is doable but IMO only if it's large enough so big pieces of dirt or poo can pass through without getting stuck. Also a downside would be not being able to keep bottom feeders in that tank since sinking food would most probably fall through before they can get to it

 

[badassissimo]

Gravel or rocks on top is doable but IMO only if it's large enough so big pieces of dirt or poo can pass through without getting stuck. Also a downside would be not being able to keep bottom feeders in that tank since sinking food would most probably fall through before they can get to it

I hadn't really considered that. I bet a eel could actually be lost for good. I had one a long time ago that lived under my undergravel filter. I had about an inch of gravel above that. I really don't know how he decided to do that. There's got to be a way around exceptions though. An idea for feeding would be a dish or flat rock sat out on the gravel. Just drop the food to the fish. Or, if the food is bigger than the gravel, probably no worries because it wouldn't pass through the screen either. Not sure if that would allow for exceptions better.

 

[m8r8j]

with water changes


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