Initial Success on the Nitrate/Phosphate War

**Cermet** · 05-02-2012, 02:03 PM

Well, a planted aquarium really is worth the effort (ok, too soon to say that since I haven't faced any algae issues ... yet.) As I mentioned in an earlier thread my tap has developed a 5 ppm nitrate signal. So between water changes my total nitrate levels were hitting between 5 and 10 ppm and could get even higher some weeks! So I was considering an active system to remove them. This is one minor reason I ordered plants - to help this issue, but I assumed they'd have only a minor effect, at best.

Now, my nitrate level is around/below 1 ppm. As I talked about in another post here, my previously always sky-high phosphate level (even after repeated 90% water changes and zero on the tap) has now dropped below 1ppm, - I am rather amazed by this sudden and large drop.

While I have a lot of plants (but rather low growth density) I did not expect such dramatic drops in these parameters.

I am also rather surprised the val like plants are all getting ‘buds’ and one ground plant is growing a flower like extension – all within the first week (way too soon I’d think.)

This will really help in my always 'on going battle' against the evil beast algae. While my lights are CFL’s in this tank, they favor a more balanced color rather than red/blue – so, I know better than to drop my guard.

I do add some ferts (K, Mg, S, Iron) and have just started to add a few root tabs (way, way to early for those to be working.) My CO2 system is just very simple yeast bottle with a plastic box trap - so it is rather ineffective. Esp. considering I use a bio-wheel (no way around this since the discus consume far more oxygen than the surface area can provide.

The really strange part is that its the other tank with the correct lighting - aquarium plant LED’s. I do ferts but no CO2 system – for this tank, the Nitrates/phosphates are not as low (but far better now.)

Conclusion: I believe even my minor yeast system is having a significant effect. Maybe some extra CO2, even if minor, is worth the trouble …maybe.

**Taurus** · 05-02-2012, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by Cermet

As I talked about in another post here, my previously always sky-high phosphate level (even after repeated 90% water changes and zero on the tap) has now dropped below 1ppm, - I am rather amazed by this sudden and large drop.

Where are the phosphates coming from? They're not coming from the tap water. It's good that the plants are helping to keep phosphate low, but how did they get high in the first place? Over feeding?

**ScottishFish** · 05-02-2012, 03:07 PM

Glad your enjoying the plants Cermet and that they are helping your tank.

**Cermet** · 05-02-2012, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Taurus

Where are the phosphates coming from? They're not coming from the tap water. It's good that the plants are helping to keep phosphate low, but how did they get high in the first place? Over feeding?

Over feed a discus? Impossible as far as they are concerned ... .

Yes, discus are phosphate machines

and that is a fact of life with these fish - zero food remains on the bottom after a few minutes (in fact, my corys would strave if I didn't get them food at night.) Heck, they chow down my baby tears plant like it is a salad. They must be feed twice a day. So, phosphates are a bane and one reason constant water changes are required (of course, nitrates are an issue, too.) Yet, water changes just couldn't keep up so I am rather pleased they have dropped so low, for now ... .