[ODDBALL361]

Well I figured out why I can't get my Nitrates down. Its because thats how it comes out of my tap 20 ppm. I tested the water coming from the tap last night and thats how it came out. I guess I have to go with an RO system.

[ODDBALL361]

Will Poly filters help reduce my Nitrates? I don't use a sump yet. I clean my canister and hang on filters once a month they only have carbon in them. Skimmer is a Remora-C Pro usually only get about a cup of murky water every two days.

[tray262]

Ro/di

[smidoid]

Some LFSs round my way sell RO cheaply or at cost (as a service). Have you asked your LFS yet? It's cheaper in the short term. You might also have phosphate in the tapwater which is also a nice little algae fertiliser!

[ODDBALL361]

I don't have an algae problem though. Its strange but since I've started this tank I've only had a Diatom build up once since then just some purple algae starting to grow on the live rock.

[smidoid]

Diatoms are sign of the tank cycling and the purple stuff could that be corraline? Anyway, I don't think that you can filter nitrates out as such - they have to be exported or converted into something else. Presumably, if they could, we'd all be doing it and it wouldn't be such a hot topic.

Here are the methods I know (FWIW):

• Water change: simple, quick and guaranteed effective if you're using pure water.
• Algae: Usually placed in a sump where the excess can be removed on a regular basis. I know you don't have a sump so this probably isn't an option for you.
• DSB/Jaubert system: difficult and hazardous - but can be effective.
• Denitritors (sp.?): come in various designs and you can make your own. Difficult to tune and can produce toxins like hydrogen sulphide.
• Eco-wheel (and others like it) are basically algae scrubbers with added bacteria. A lot is claimed for them, but you'd have to ask someone who has one if they actually work.

[ODDBALL361]

Smidoid my problem is that my well water has nitrate in it I tested it right out of the tap and its 20ppm. I have to get RO I'll check my LFS for it because I can't afford an Ro filter right now. I just don't know what else to do for now. Fish seem to be fine they are active and feeding as usual. No signs of stress.

[tray262]

Seasave sells r/o saltwater for $1 a gallon and r/o freshwater for .50 a gallon. I have a ro from thatpetplace I only paid $150 for it, and it works well.

[smidoid]

What I'm wondering is why with such high nitrates, you haven't gotten at least some algae. What is your tankwater testing at right now?

Reading back, you mention murky water in the skimmer. Now I'm no expert, but IIRC skimmate should be dark brown and foul-smelling. Mucky water may mean your skimmer is not adjusted for optimum efficiency.

I know just what you mean about an RO system [shudders]. Everything in this hobby seems to be just that liddle bit too expensive when you just have to have it!

However, all that said if the fish look OK, then they probably ARE OK!

[smidoid]

Originally Posted by tray262

Seasave sells r/o saltwater for $1 a gallon and r/o freshwater for .50 a gallon. I have a ro from thatpetplace I only paid $150 for it, and it works well.

Nice one tray!

See - it's not all doom and gloom. The RO here is £1 a UK gallon just for fresh (which is expensive compared to there) and emminently affordable!

[mungus728]

http://www.thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm

That place has awsome ro/di filter setups for really cheap. If you do a group buy from them through a reef club you can save even more. WRS just did a group buy from them. Everyone that ordered was very pleased with the customer service and the quality of their products. Me included.

Brian

[ODDBALL361]

Thanks I will have to go to Seasave on Saturday for RO water thats cheap enough for now. I can't put out to much money until maybe July cause I need all the money I can save now for the wedding in June. The wife to be is spending money on the wedding like it grows on trees and I'm footing the bill.

[smidoid]

Originally Posted by ODDBALL361

Thanks I will have to go to Seasave on Saturday for RO water thats cheap enough for now. I can't put out to much money until maybe July cause I need all the money I can save now for the wedding in June. The wife to be is spending money on the wedding like it grows on trees and I'm footing the bill.

Dude! Most hearty congratulations on the coming wedding. But man, if you think you're short of money now just wait until AFTER she gets you down the isle (which, BTW, is not the isle, the isles are the bits at the side! )

I have to ask my wife for everything - including permission to buy a turbo snail or a bag of algae!
And I'll save John H. the trouble by saying it now, "DOWN BOY!"

No really, best of luck to you both.

[ODDBALL361]

Thanks Smidoid but she's pretty cool when it comes to the tank she understands because she had 7 freshwater tanks at one time. So she knows about putting money into them. Thanks again for the congrats.

[tray262]

I spent a good bit of money up front, but now I mostly done spending money, except for livestock, I swear I was going to get rid of my tank. I had so many problems in the beginning, I swear the ro was the best thing I bought so far. I didn't think it was going to make that big of a difference but it did. I've havn't lot any fish since then, and my algea problem is all but gone. It's looking really good.

[smidoid]

Originally Posted by tray262

I spent a good bit of money up front, but now I mostly done spending money, except for livestock, I swear I was going to get rid of my tank. I had so many problems in the beginning, I swear the ro was the best thing I bought so far.

The best thing I bought was a sub to Reefland (OK, I know it's only voluntary) but it's been a lifesaver!

[tray262]

Oh something I thought about that may hold you over. go get some poly pads. This is what I was going to do but I ended up just buying the ro, you'll need a couple of plumbing parts but it may save you some money. Check it out. I'm pretty sure it will help a good bit, and the filter floss shoulb be the smallest micron you can find.

[ODDBALL361]

Well just like everyting else I do. I started this back a$$wards. Now I will get it right just going to take time and some more money.

[smidoid]

I saw Poly filters down the LFS. They claim an awful lot for them... I wonder if they work as well as they say?

[tray262]

Check out this ro unit. http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...il.asp?CartId=

It's called a Kold Steril. My friend has one the first and most important canister is nothing more then poly pabs. He live by this thing and it really rolls fast.