Nitrate in saltwater aquariums is a major concern for aquarists. Their high levels in the water harm the invertebrate inhabitants of the reef, leading to increased growth of algae, which, in turn, inhibits the growth of corals.
It is necessary
- - skimmer;
- - DSB;
- - drugs Tetra EasyBalance, Tetra AquaSafe or others like them;
- - organic denitrifiers;
- - coal.
Instructions
Step 1
The sources of nitrate in an aquarium are filter media, tubes that are usually placed under the ground, decomposing food residues, untreated water that is added daily to replace evaporated water.
Step 2
To maintain or reduce nitrate levels, avoid overcrowding your tank. Its size should correspond to the number of inhabitants and their size.
Step 3
Don't overfeed your pets. One source of nitrate in a reef aquarium is decaying food. It needs to be poured so much that it is completely eaten within a few minutes. Remember to remove food residues and dying plants from the bottom of the aquarium.
Step 4
Replace some of the aquarium water regularly. For every change, use drugs that neutralize heavy metals and chlorine compounds, such as Tetra EasyBalance or Tetra AquaSafe.
Step 5
Growing and weeding seaweed algae can help with nitrogen export, which is effective when the nitrate content is low.
Step 6
Use a skimmer. This will not completely solve the nitrate problem, but it will help to significantly reduce the nitrogen level in the aquarium.
Step 7
Use DSB. Sometimes (though not always) this allows you to maintain the level of nitrates below 0.5 mg / l.
Step 8
Remove filters that are designed to provide a nitrogen cycle. These devices convert ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates. Removing such a filter will change and accelerate the nitrate processing on live rocks and bottom sand and, ultimately, will reduce their level.
Step 9
Use organic denitrifiers. They do a pretty good job of removing nitrates. The disadvantage of these devices is the difficulty of controlling the conditions created in the reactor.
Step 10
Coal and polymers help reduce nitrate levels somewhat. Like skimmers, they absorb and remove organic matter, preventing it from decomposing.
