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Nitrate Factory?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Pete H., Mar 20, 2012.

  1. Mar 20, 2012 #1
    Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    i read the other day that the biowheels and bakpak skimmer media can increase the nitrates in your tank. is this true? is there a way to control nitrates outside of water changes? just trying to determine if the wheels and skimmer media need to go.
    thanks
     
  2. Mar 20, 2012 #2
    mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    I used to run a bio wheel on my sumpless tank and first thing I did was remove the wheels. It was mostly used for water movement and I used the empty cartridges to run carbon. Dont know if that helps or not.
     
  3. Mar 20, 2012 #3
    vikubz Cedar Falls

    vikubz Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    What happens is the bio balls or other media trap detritus. If you don't clean them out frequently the crap they've trapped will just break down and add to the NO3. You want to export such things either via water changes, skimmer, filter socks and clean up crew. I've also been getting good results with an algae scrubber that I put together. It's all about nutrient export.
     
  4. Mar 20, 2012 #4
    Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Cool. I was cleaning out the skimmer about once every one or two months. I will try to get it done sooner though. That should be helpful. I would like to add a scrubber some time too.

    Thanks!
     
  5. Mar 20, 2012 #5
    Sponge Marshalltown, IA

    Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

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    Marshalltown, IA
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    /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/pinch.gifPete, tell me that's not true!/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/sick.gif  I clean my skimmer every 2 -3 days!!  A skimmer works more effeciently when clean!  Clean the cup and neck of the skimmer and "dry" it!/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif
    I doubt very much if the biowheel's will increase trates,  The biowheels are designed to hold some bacteria, not waste.  I cannot comment on the Bacpac....
     
  6. Mar 21, 2012 #6
    erayk1 Coralville, IA

    erayk1 Well-Known ReefKeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

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    Coralville, IA
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    If the bio wheels get clogged up, you will most certainly seem some sort of increase. I agree that cleaning the skimmer often is required. Plus I'm afraid if my skimmer ever goes crazy and overflows that all the gunk it collected goes back in the tank (been there, not cool)!
     
  7. Mar 21, 2012 #7
    Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    So far the bio wheels are stil spinning fine. As for the skimmer, I clean the cup and such every 2 or 3 days. I just don't take the HOB skimmer off the tank and clean the whole thing as often. Do I need to do that as often asi clean the cup?!
     

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