nitrate problem i think ?

steve1064 · 12-07-2007, 11:49 PM

i set up a tank about 30 days ago and i have a brown alge problem i tested of nitrates it is at 15-20 ppm i have a ro system and did a 20% water change two days later my nitrates are still 20 ppm . i am new to the hobby what should i do

sasquatch · 12-08-2007, 12:06 AM

more likly a diatom bloom, no panic required all very normal, what is your lighting duration and clean up crew. Welcome to RS btw! Steve

tbittner · 12-08-2007, 12:16 AM

Hi Steve and welcome to RS!

Now would be the time to add your clean up crew (CUC). Some hermits and snails will knock out the algae in a week. Your tank is still maturing and it will continue to do so over the new few months. Patience is key.

lcstorc · 12-18-2007, 01:58 PM

Welcome to RS!
How's the tank look now?

prow · 12-18-2007, 02:50 PM

dont sweet the diatoms very normal. in fact very needed

algae is so misunderstood poor little guys. in the absence of part 2 "second stage" of the nitrogen cycle (denitrification). diatoms eat up the nitrates. it take the denitrification bacteria(anaerobic) more time to grow then teh aerobic bacteria did because they lack the O2 for energy. they must steal it form nitrates. this takes up to 6 months to establish a equal "battle" for anaerobic and aerobic zones. the algae is just the tanks way of compensating for the lack of anaerobic activity. the trick is to keep their growth levels down to a min. with use of water changes, low silica ect... so when the tank reaches a balance its with aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and to not with diatom and/or others that eatup nitrates but dont rely on stealing O2 as its energy source but instead use photosynthesis i.e.,, diatoms and others

Dentoid · 12-18-2007, 03:40 PM

Knock...knock! Steve, you out there? Welcome!

12-07-2007, 11:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
steve1064 Tunicate Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 5 View Gallery Karma Komment	nitrate problem i think ? i set up a tank about 30 days ago and i have a brown alge problem i tested of nitrates it is at 15-20 ppm i have a ro system and did a 20% water change two days later my nitrates are still 20 ppm . i am new to the hobby what should i do

12-08-2007, 12:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
sasquatch Brunt of all Jokes~ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: the very farthest west coast of canada Posts: 8,917 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: nitrate problem i think ? more likly a diatom bloom, no panic required all very normal, what is your lighting duration and clean up crew. Welcome to RS btw! Steve __________________ castawayreefers.com

12-08-2007, 12:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
tbittner Watch this Ma! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 5,562 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: nitrate problem i think ? Hi Steve and welcome to RS! Now would be the time to add your clean up crew (CUC). Some hermits and snails will knock out the algae in a week. Your tank is still maturing and it will continue to do so over the new few months. Patience is key. __________________ Terry 150g predator tank full of killers. Soon to be upgraded to a 360g. 450g reef 300g sump.

12-18-2007, 01:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 20,889 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: nitrate problem i think ? Welcome to RS! How's the tank look now? __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. In Loving Memory Of Z 01/22/07 - 08/19/08

12-18-2007, 02:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
prow Tridacna maxima Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 4,260 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: nitrate problem i think ? dont sweet the diatoms very normal. in fact very needed algae is so misunderstood poor little guys. in the absence of part 2 "second stage" of the nitrogen cycle (denitrification). diatoms eat up the nitrates. it take the denitrification bacteria(anaerobic) more time to grow then teh aerobic bacteria did because they lack the O2 for energy. they must steal it form nitrates. this takes up to 6 months to establish a equal "battle" for anaerobic and aerobic zones. the algae is just the tanks way of compensating for the lack of anaerobic activity. the trick is to keep their growth levels down to a min. with use of water changes, low silica ect... so when the tank reaches a balance its with aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and to not with diatom and/or others that eatup nitrates but dont rely on stealing O2 as its energy source but instead use photosynthesis i.e.,, diatoms and others __________________ "He who sees things grow from their beginnings shall have the finest view of them" ........Aristotle........ "The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad." - Salvador Dali my chronicle........ http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...al-system.html my clamicle..........http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...my-tank-d.html

12-18-2007, 03:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
Dentoid Over Achiever Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 10,289 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: nitrate problem i think ? Knock...knock! Steve, you out there? Welcome! __________________ Scott Dentoid's Reeforama

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