how to bring down high Nitrate

[scarab]

Anyone has any idea how the Aquapharm Bacteria Starter works? To whatever limited knowledge I have on nitrate reduction, it works if the following is done.

1. Get a very strong skimmer and skim out the contaminants before it can start the ANN cycle hence got no chance to convert to nitrate.

2. Introduce anaerobic bacteria (in areas totally devoid of Oxygen) to do the conversion of NO3 to nitrogen gas. This I believe only works in a DSB, in the deep reaches of LR and a Denitrator.

3. Regular water change to dilute the nitrate content in the tank

4. Removal of all nitrate factories such as bio balls, rings etc.

The Aquapharm Bacteria Starter looks like a starter for aerobic bacteria which works on the 1st two parts of the ANN cycle, which is ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate. Does it specifically say it can reduce nitrate? In no way you can create an anaerobic environment for the last part of the conversion by just dosing tablets into the water.

Well I could be wrong and this could be a major revelation that will topple the sale of denitrators but the science behind it doesn't match.

[kareen]

Hi!

So the verdict of using this AquaPharm Bacteria to reduce nitrate is good with no ill-effect shown on corals? Pls enlighten...... thinking of getting one soon.....

[madmac]

Kelvin, STOP!... just step a back or two and ask yourself some questions... if you can answer them, you'll be in control... otherwise this hobby will torture you... we'll see you here again with similar questions.

How is nitrate produce? Where does it get produced? For you, is it absolute necessary to completely eliminate NO3? Bro, you're treating the symptoms, not getting to the source of your problem.

[hotlemond]

Kelvin, STOP!... just step a back or two and ask yourself some questions... if you can answer them, you'll be in control... otherwise this hobby will torture you... we'll see you here again with similar questions.

How is nitrate produce? Where does it get produced? For you, is it absolute necessary to completely eliminate NO3?  Bro, you're treating the symptoms, not getting to the source of your problem.

agree with madmac,

having the instant bacto may treat the nitrate level to lower, but its gonna be a continuing process and treatment is only on the surface level. Though getting to the source to do something about it may require more effort but in long run it is better. Also, i start to ask if in long term dosing if the tablet is still as effective as day 1?

As a matter of fact, the source of the problem may not be difficult to identify. Let alone, you have SG Reef here with helpful ppl ready to share and give advice.

Some considerations:

1) Salt: ask around and you will learn

2) water: no need to ask, invest in a purification unit.

3) water change: as simple as putting in more effort

4) Feeding: this is a major contributor to the problem. you can check with bro Diabulos, he has good feeding discipline.

In fact, there is a thread here on DIY water purification unit to start you off with, if you haven had one.

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?...=0entry369874

cheers

[minsmarine]

2. Introduce anaerobic bacteria (in areas totally devoid of Oxygen) to do the conversion of NO3 to nitrogen gas. This I believe only works in a DSB, in the deep reaches of LR and a Denitrator.

The Aquapharm Bacteria Starter looks like a starter for aerobic bacteria which works on the 1st two parts of the ANN cycle, which is ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate. Does it specifically say it can reduce nitrate? In no way you can create an anaerobic environment for the last part of the conversion by just dosing tablets into the water.

I totally agree with you , that's why I placed all tablets deep in DSB. While my DSB is average 7" and most tablets put till 5" deep.

NH3 - NH4 - NO2 - NO3 - NO4 yes. I am also not so sure why my tank has no NH3 , NH4, NO2 and NO3. Eventhough I feed everyday now aday.

It might be LR as well, all my LR are average 8 months old in my tank. However , I doubt in this as well as I didn't dose tablet for 2 weeks than NO3 shoot up to 5. You might wonder skimmer ? Less Feeding ?

No , no nothing has changed.

I am still using cheap skimmer ( Macro JS300 driven with HF20 )

yes my test kits is Salifest.

I neither get paid from AquaFarm, however it's introduced by Weishun and it's serving me well. May be different way of dosing

[djviper]

from what i believe those tablets only increase the amount of bacteria in ur tank till it reaches a saturation point and no matter how much u dose/put also no use..... so if ur tank is greater than 6months there is no point in adding such stuff as u dunno what side effect it might have...

i recommend dosing bacteria for a newly setup tank instead

[scarab]

I totally agree with you , that's why I placed all tablets deep in DSB. While my DSB is average 7" and most tablets put till 5" deep.

NH3 - NH4 - NO2 - NO3 - NO4 yes. I am also not so sure why my tank has no NH3 , NH4, NO2 and NO3. Eventhough I feed everyday now aday.

It might be LR as well, all my LR are average 8 months old in my tank. However , I doubt in this as well as I didn't dose tablet for 2 weeks than NO3 shoot up to 5. You might wonder skimmer ? Less Feeding ?

No , no nothing has changed.

I am still using cheap skimmer ( Macro JS300 driven with HF20 )

yes my test kits is Salifest.

I neither get paid from AquaFarm, however it's introduced by Weishun and it's serving me well. May be different way of dosing

Bro you digging your DSB to plant the tablet?? You understand how DSB works I hope. Digging into DSB will release toxic H2S into your tank. You better don't go digging into your DSB, it will potentially crash your tank.

And I think the aerobic bacteria released from this tablet is different from the anaerobic ones in the DSB lor (guessing only). Can simply change one meh?

And I don't think there is such a thing as NO4. NO3 is converted to nitrogen gas by the anaerobic bacteria.

[madmac]

It doesn't... the conversion of Nitrate to atmospheric nitrogen gas, is called de-nitrification. It works in places where there is little to no O2.... most times confused with the bacteria in anaerobic region.... they're not the same. You'll need carbon for that to work.

No de-nitrification take place where there is good flow... Pls read the top post of this link: de-nitrification in the oceans

sometimes when we see bubbles in the front of the glass where the sand is, we think hey isn't that de-nitrification taking place.. that must be nitrogen bubbles... well its a myth.... the bubbles you see are o2 bubbles, given out by the algae on the inner glass wall... because of light, they thrive and take in co2 to give out o2.

mins.. no offence to you... i noticed that too, and it screamed into my mind... "what on earth are you doing!!!".. you've been so helpful on this board and its a pain to see tt until now, you still seemed to "not get it".... wats the purpose of this board(yes mods, I'm taking to you) if ppl who know don't educate those that dont... and those who don't know try to teach... (I know it will take time and money...)

There are so many of you here with outstanding corals, you share your beautiful pics, your successful aquaria... but when somethings are said wrongly, we keep quiet.

best to all

[minsmarine]

Thank guys, I think I need to read more. At least I have learned something that need to quiet

[Kelmen]

Will macro algae able to bring down Nitrate?

[releeps]

Yes most ppl keep them in the sump. U got to on the light in ur sump.