[rededteck]

I completed my task of adding 100 lbs of sand to my 200 gallon aquarium. It added approximately 4-5 inches across the front half of the tank. The rear of my tank is hard to access, however, I plan to try and add sand to the rear of the tank as well.

The addition of the sand was to help the denitrifying process, algae covers the glass quickly and I am concerned with the long term affects of nitrates on the fish and corals. My nitrates average 40 ppm no matter how many water changes I do. I have algae growth galore. My corals and fish are very healthy and thriving in this environment. I dose daily with C Balance, run a skimmer and carbon 24/7.

Several questions

1) Is this enough sand to make a difference on the nitrate level?

2) The sand is lying up against live rock at the bottom of the tank, will this cause an issue?

This tank is about 2/3 full of live rock, has been set up for almost 2 years

Would appreciate hearing from any of you. I have re-read the Sprung reef book on the addition of sand and feel confident I am on the right track.

[naser]

just get a bigger skimmer to take care of the nitrates.

[rededteck]

I am using a berlin classic skimmer. What would you recommend including the pump?

[naser]

well my current skimmer is a 300gallon model with a becket injector. uses a mag 18 for a pump. i got it from myreef
www.myreefcreations.com

[JerryReef]

I've got the My Reef Creations' skimmer and ca reactor Price to performance, hard to beat and very well built.

Jerry