Some 24 gal aquapod advice (filtration)...

[RedTide94]

I had a problem with nitrates for the longest time. Could not get them down and advice I received here helped tremendously.

I have seen the "What do I put in the back of my aquapod?" question many times and I had it myself.

The right combo I have found is live rock (about 3lbs), charcoal about 2/3 of a media bag and filter floss. That's it. Remove ALL of the blue sponges and the bioballs.

My nitrates have stayed at 20 consistently. I know they should be lower but I have very good coraline growth (red and green). Weekly water changes (about 3 gals) help too.

Other readings:
Nitrite 0
Amonia 0
PH 8.3
Calcium 450
Salinity 1.023

Just wanted to pass this along and thanks to all for the help.

[DaveK]

The first things to check in cases like this are you feeding schedule, and your water source.

It's very easy to overfeed a small tank. If you are not using RO water to mix salt, you should be. Tap water often contains large amounts of nitrates.

Carbon, especially lessor brands, can be a source of nitrate. Always use a top quality carbon. Filter floss should be cleaned at least weekly. If not it becomes a dirt trap and thus a nitrate factory.

Lastly, is the amount of LR you stated correct? 3 lbs is far too little for that size tank.

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by DaveK

The first things to check in cases like this are you feeding schedule, and your water source.

It's very easy to overfeed a small tank. If you are not using RO water to mix salt, you should be. Tap water often contains large amounts of nitrates.

Carbon, especially lessor brands, can be a source of nitrate. Always use a top quality carbon. Filter floss should be cleaned at least weekly. If not it becomes a dirt trap and thus a nitrate factory.

Lastly, is the amount of LR you stated correct? 3 lbs is far too little for that size tank.

I think he was stating he has 3lbs of LR rubble in the back chamber not in the main tank. That's about double what I have total in my back chamber of my 12g Nano so that sound about right.

Be VERY careful with carbon back there. It's WAY to easy to either forget about it all together or over look it during your weekly maintenance routine. It doesn't take but a short time for a filter sock or the actual charcoal itself to start trapping "spooge" and start the whole "Nitrate Train" rolling in your tank. I highly suggest carbon be used only a week or so out of the month just in case. I use a filter sak full for 7 days our of 28 (give or take a day or so) in each of my tanks (one 12g and one 10g).

Sounds like your on the ride road there. Keep testing and adjusting accordingly and above all else ENJOY!

Sincerely,
Allen

[jerrad0328]

i have a 24g aquapod, ive been using the blue sponges (with regular cleanings
for mechanical filtration and a nylon bag of crushed coral for a steady PH and added bio filtration i also have around 1-2lbs of LR rubble under the sopnges and crushed coral i know this seems like a crazy mix but its been working quite well for me.