nitrates! why so high?

[rick bryan]

[No message]

 

[randy holmes-farley]

Here's an article on how to reeduce nitrate if yours is high

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/ ... 3/chem.htm

 

[brandon4291]

Randy I enjoyed that link. I have a question involving nitrate balances and canister filters.

To what degree do you feel detrital loading and subsequent degredation (protein deamination yielding ammonia in) sort of 'pumps' out nitrate or a precursor into the system, eventually oxidized into nitrate just like the direct metabolic waste from animals?
Along with the concepts of biofixation and export to deal with nitrogen, I have always figured one would have to maintain a canister filter far too often for it to be a beneficial source of surface area without becoming a nitrogen-seeping leaker The grunge is common in canister filters and HOB's of the average clean-every-month aquarist, so it seems like one would just be better off leaving this detritus in suspension to be removed completely from the system at WC time.
I find this applicable to nano reef design since we don't get enough nitrification even un ideal proximity settings for the nitrifiers/denitrifiers. That also made me shy away from pico DSB's (proportionally speaking) from now on due to a similar catch-and-hold effect.

 

[brandon4291]

**above post edited for clarity and intent but not length

 

[randy holmes-farley]

I think that breakdown of organic wastes (detritus) can be a substantial source of ammonia. How large it is compared to fish excretion, I can't say. How to best remove it may depend on how frequently an aquarist is willing to change filters and water.