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HOT TIPS Column: July 2007 Issue of Advanced Aquarist

June's theme is "How do you control your nitrates and phosphates? " Please submit your thoughts and ideas on what has worked for you or have seen work for others.

When published, you will have your username published (along with your real name if you so desire). Every month we will be running a new HOT TIP thread so stay tuned and help out when you can.

The staff at both Reefs.org and Advanced Aquarist would like to thank you for your continued interest and support of our online community, magazine, and services.

Let the submissions begin!

Best regards,

Reefs.org and Advanced Aquarist staff

[bleedingthought]

I rely mostly on my skimmer (pulls out the gunk that builds up nitrates) and water changes for the nitrates. But I also use macro algae (chaetomorpha) in my refugium and it's growing well and seems to be helping.

I don't have much phosphate control, really, except for using RO water and doing water changes.

[wetworx101]

I dont handle them myself, the bacteria and water changes handle the phosphates and nitrates.

[SeahorseWhisperer_]

I use macroalgae also, but because it is so much better at removing nitrate, I do get build up of PO4. I use a PO4 adsorber (Rhowphos or whatever is on sale) when the tanks need it.

[Wazzel]

Lots of flow, big skimmer and water changes using RO/DI water.

[Louey]

Macro in the fuge, big skimmer, RO/DI with kalk for the make-up water, RO-DI for water change water, monthly 20% water changes and liverock.

That and a relatively light fish load. I have 12 fish in my 300G tank. 7 of the 12 are small fish (6 anthias, 1 false perc).

Louey

[pcardone]

I'm with louey. But I always have a bag of Rowa Phos "po4 & sio2 adsorber in my sump. even though my tank often test negative for po4, It gives me a head start.

[Platax]

I actively use Caulerpa to clear water.
The function of Caulerpa is to create photosynthisis which will oxygenate the water, and also fixation of Nitrates and Phosphates into plant biomass. Therefore it is important to keep the Caulerpa trimmed which will help remove excess nutrients.

Best Regards,
Andrey Ospin.

[D.W.L.]

When running my larger tanks, I used a large turf scrubber to help with any phosphates or nitrate.

In my current 45 cube, I just try keep the detritus cleaned up and run PhosBan.

[beaslbob]

I get the nitrates and phosphates from tank operation close to 0 with macro algaes.

To keep phosphates low I dose calcium nitrate to boost nitrates to 5-10 ppm.

[cyro]

mostly caulerpas and dsb in refugium.. i also uses skimmer but do not water changes. i believe reefs don't like often water changes.

[andy37]

mostly caulerpas and dsb in refugium.. i also uses skimmer but do not water changes. i believe reefs don't like often water changes.

Caulerpa and PO4 remover, RODI for topoff via a kalkstirrer, and NSW for water changes.