Nitrate Control

[RedLion]

Parameters now:
Tank Size= 36 gal
Temp=80
S.G = 1.0235
Ammonia/Nitrite = 0 ppm
Nitrate = 20-40ppm (Increased 10-20ppm since last reading)

Removed filter floss, carbon and biomax from the external powerfilter.

Added 1 unit of Chemi-Pure Elite in between 2 layers of Poly-Filter into the external powerfilter.

Preparing to perform 20-25% RO saltwater change.

Can I leave the Poly-Filter in-place during the water change? Instructions are not clear, two statements on the label contradict each other. One says it says it will not remove trace elements included in marine salt mixes, I use Instant Ocean. But another previous statement on the same package instructs to remove Poly-filter from the water before adding vitamins or trace elements. So which is it? Leave in or take it out for 12 hours? I'd rather leave it in until its time to replace it.

 

[Amphiprion]

It should be fine. There are usually more than enough trace elements to start with.

 

[snailrider]

But I was thinking that this fact is most important with topping off, since water changes remove water and replace it with the same quantity and subsequent concentrations which will therefore not add to the problem, it will cancel itself out. Thus resulting in almost no change in tap water chemical concentrations in the tank overall, right? If you don't agree I will stick to strict RO.

In a vacuum that may be a good theory :naughty:

The problem is that your rock and substrate and other organizims will absorb, cosnume the suspended and disolved chemicals and nutrients, so when you change the water, you really are not changing the original water just some of it.

It would be like breathing smoke all day, you breath it in and expell the same volume so no damage right? Food for thought :naughty:

 

[jcole]

Remove the Bio bale in the BACPAC it is another nitrate factory and is not needed for the skimming.