Kelan's 24g

[dsmhero]

If you ever see 0 nitrates, let me know will you .

I have had 0 nitrates for the entire life of this tank until now....

 

[user 26995]

Charlie, it is my understanding that you should always have a trace of nitrates. As long as you have any kind of bioload.

 

[CarlaW]

Charlie, it is my understanding that you should always have a trace of nitrates. As long as you have any kind of bioload.

That was always my understanding also, so thanks for backin me up on that. After what I went thru last summer, I have accepted the fact that there will be things in my tank that are unsightly. Kelan, since your tank is still new, I think you are maybe seeing it "come to life". What are you doing with your skimmer these days? Maybe it is time to crank it back up????

 

[josh88]

Yeah I was told the same thing, you'll always have it due to bioload. And left over food in the tank, I was also told that even though your nitrate tests read zero, its usually because the level of nitrate is not high enough to register on a lot of tests, I was even told not to stress my self out over nitrates, but to more worry about the other stuff, taking care of that will eventually lower the nitrates down

HTC EVO

 

[dsmhero]

Thank you all for the replies. So the question is now, what is an acceptable amount of nitrates?Btw - the skimmer is in the garage at the moment.

 

[CarlaW]

I don't think it should be in the garage Kelan. just my opinion, but that is totally up to you.

 

[josh88]

I'm not experienced enough to give a definet answer, but from my lfs, and my buddy who's been into swt, you really don't want it over what you've seen in your test results, anything higher may cause for you to find the reasons behind it. Mine jumps to .10 now and then, but never consistent

HTC EVO

 

[DevonM]

Thank you all for the replies. So the question is now, what is an acceptable amount of nitrates?Btw - the skimmer is in the garage at the moment.

I used to struggle to keep mine under 40 ppm in my creep tank but with my reef I think I hit 15 and they eventually worked their way down to ~0 over the years, or at least to when they don't register. Skimmate consists of a large amount of nitrates...

 

[CarlaW]

Softies are alot more forgiving nitrate wise, the euphyllia will tell you when things are getting bad, they are oneof the best water quality guages that you have.

 

[DevonM]

Softies are alot more forgiving nitrate wise, the euphyllia will tell you when things are getting bad, they are oneof the best water quality guages that you have.

Agreed, my hammer does a great job, except when it's splitting and doesn't look happy.

 

[CarlaW]

Agreed, my hammer does a great job, except when it's splitting and doesn't look happy.

All of that species are good at it, now go over to Kelan's house and make him get the darn skimmer out of the garage .

 

[dsmhero]

You will be proud charlie, I am trying to modify my skimmer so it performs better. Wish me luck.

 

[CarlaW]

Good luck Kelan.

 

[dsmhero]

Yeah I need it. So far I can't find fittings to extend what I need to.

 

[CarlaW]

What ya lookin for?

 

[dsmhero]

The pvc is NOT standard size, but it looks like some people have to use pex and some vinyl tubing to lower the pump itself.

 

[CarlaW]

Probably metric Kelan, you got a pic of what you are tryin to do?

 

[dsmhero]

It it a custom molded piece but all I am trying to do is lower the pump about another 4-6 inches.

 

[CarlaW]

Vinyl tubing and tywraps work wonders my friend. I know it is unsightly, but they are rather effective.

 

[dsmhero]

Vinyl tubing and tywraps work wonders my friend. I know it is unsightly, but they are rather effective.

just like zipties? that would work just fine since it is all hidden anyways....GREAT IDEA!