Lower Nitrates on 550 gal aro tank.

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Boydo

Boydo

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 17, 2006
666
2
18
Alberta, Canada
www.shineaquatics.ca
I was curious if there is a safe method of adding certain media to fitration the help lower nitrates. I change 35 % of the water weekly and clean pre filtrers and foam filters at the same time, ammonia = 0, nitrites = 0, ph = 6.8-7.1, Nitates = 60-70. I have lowered the nitrates form 80 to the 60-70 range with adding plants. I'm looking for somthing to help get them do to the 50 range that is easy to maintain. My filter also has 40 gallon of bio balls and a purigen section. I was considering crushing up some lava rock I have and adding it in bags - maybe will grow a little aerobalic bacteria? Tank has 7 aro's from 14 inches to 26 inches, 1 ray, 16 clown loaches, and 5 plecos, they are feed once daily 6 days a week, market prawns and new life spectrum formula.
Ideas please.
 
i dond really have much exp with certain media but nitrazorb appears to be good. i would do more waterchanges, up to 3 a week and add some floating plants. otherwise make or invest in a nitrate reactor.
 
I had a similar problem on my tank and the only thing I could to do lower nitrates without extensive water changes (and stress on the fish)was to install a drip system. My nitrates went from fluctuating between 20 and 80 to a steady 15-20ppm.
 
Potts050;512204; said:
how long does it take a DIY drip filter to start working?
Click to expand...

I noticed a significant decrease after a week, but it took about 2 months to level out on my 265 @1 gph drip. If you started after a large water change I doubt it would take long at all for it to keep the nitrates at a constant low level. If you still notice an increase in nitrates you can adjust the drip rate accrodingly.
 
I had a similar problem on my tank and the only thing I could to do lower nitrates without extensive water changes (and stress on the fish)was to install a drip system. My nitrates went from fluctuating between 20 and 80 to a steady 15-20ppm.
Click to expand...

Do they require adjusting lots? Do they plug off? Are they safe? Where do I find plans?
Thank you.
 
I've never had to adjust mine. I used this calculator to estimate what drip I wanted and hooked it up and left it at that. I have a link to mine but the pictures arent working at the moment. Just do a search on here for drip system and it'll pop up.

http://www.angelfish.net/DripSystemcalc.php
 
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