nitrates
- Thread starter yzf450motoxrider
- Start date
yzf450motoxrider;4756925; said:
In short, yes it does, some at least. A good quality live rock can go a long way in helping keep water quality high and nitrates low.
The rock harbors both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that break down wastes. The aerobic bacteria on and near the surface of the rock break down ammonia and nitrite into nitrates. The anaerobic bacteria deep within the rock breaks down nitrates into hydrogen gas and oxygen, both of which are released out the tanks surface into the atmosphere.
You need good rock obviously, good circulation of water, and water quality that isn't really poor because slime algae can cover the rock and prevent the functions from working.
It is also worth noting that live rock will no longer be live if you treat the tank it is in. Treatments like copper, methylene blue, etc. all kill the bacteria.
The rock will not become live again until all those compounds that were absorbed are gone, allowing the bacteria to recolonize. This is why treatments should be done in a separate quarantine/hospital tank.
+1
In the long run, remember this.
Only YOU can remove nitrates. (Yes, and only YOU can prevent forest fires. [Please, no name related jokes at this point])
The best rule to live by, is that you put nutrients into your tank in the form of food, there will be waste, and it needs to come out.
You cannot rely on your rock to do h2o changes for you.
In the long run, remember this.
Only YOU can remove nitrates. (Yes, and only YOU can prevent forest fires. [Please, no name related jokes at this point])
The best rule to live by, is that you put nutrients into your tank in the form of food, there will be waste, and it needs to come out.
You cannot rely on your rock to do h2o changes for you.