Quote:
Originally Posted by maron6977
Reading up on bio pellets & they don't recommend using with phosphate removal. So can't use foz-down ?
Also so adding vinegar possibly could be killing some bacteria but feeding others . Could that be why the increase in nitrates ???
I've read where it takes , say , 3 months before nitrates drop .
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I used both foz down and GFO with bio pellets and they all worked. I think what they are saying is that the bio pellets need some phosphates to break down (or bind) the nitrates with the bacteria to be skimmed off. But unless you are running an ultra low nutrient system, you will likely always have some phosphates and some nitrates. When I test mine, they are near zero, but don't always get a zero reading. I think the food, fish poop, detritus, rocks, etc., is always producing some nutrients in your tank.
Not sure about the vinegar killing some bacteria and creating nitrates, but for sure they feed others (like cyano), which is why you need MB7 or some other beneficial bacteria dosing.
But yeah, Mark, as discussed, it can take a few months to get nitrates (same with phosphates) under control if you start with high numbers. And it is always better to go slow anyway, and patience with keen observation is key.