Macroalgae Nitrate Export

bioload · #1 07-09-2010, 10:01 PM

Here are the Day 1 results with 24 hour lighting.

bioload · #2 07-10-2010, 03:12 AM

I think I night have mixed up my samples earlier today, and the previous nitrate test does not seem to be accurate.

Here is what I just tested

Greenmaster · #3 07-10-2010, 04:11 AM

Wow look at the diff a cheep light and some circulation made

Did you do the phosphates right though?

daniella3d · #4 07-10-2010, 02:45 PM

Phosphates are easily removed with ferric oxide though, and maybe it is more efficient than micro algae to remove phosphates?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenmaster

Wow look at the diff a cheep light and some circulation made

Did you do the phosphates right though?

Megalodon · #5 07-10-2010, 07:49 PM

GFO is so expensive though. I'm trying to wean my tank off it with chaeto however phosphates don't appear to be consumed as readily as nitrate. I hear it's the same problem with a carbon source, the bacteria consume nitrate and phosphates in a ratio that leaves excess phosphate. There's some reefers recommending to go back to bio balls because of this, LOL. I'm not sure if this is true or not. Oh well, GFO stays in my tank for now. So does the chaeto.

Zoaelite · #6 07-10-2010, 07:57 PM

The NP biopellets work well but I agree that they take out more N than P, because of this I'm running GFO in a phosban reactor. Between the two I'm happy with my phosphate levels.
Levi

Megalodon · #7 07-10-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoaElite

The NP biopellets work well but I agree that they take out more N than P, because of this I'm running GFO in a phosban reactor. Between the two I'm happy with my phosphate levels.
Levi

I wonder about that bio-ball theory. Some claim to have struck a balance by re-indroducing bio-balls (or other nitrate factories), which increases macro algae growth, or, skimmate with carbon source/bio pellets, and results in almost no phosphates or nitrates. It would save a lot of money on GFO if true.