reef tank nitrate level

**Strider199** · 02-10-2013, 06:03 PM

Ok I'm confussed here. Last week when I tested my water parameters I had a reading of .25ppm for my nitrate level. Today I was getting to a water change and as I was waiting for my r/o water to warm up I did my usual tests. The nitrate reading this week is 0.00ppms. How does the nitrate level go down on it's own? I have some coral and a cleaner shrimp in the tank. The skimmer is not running in my sump at this time(due to no stock in the tank). Is it the coral?

**Cliff** · 02-10-2013, 08:46 PM

Welcome to the "sweet spot"

One of the differences between fresh water and salt water is that in salt water set-ups with live rock and/or some substrate, you will develop nitrate eating bacteria. They are not the best at removing nitrates, but they do. They are typically the last bacteria to develop as they are the slowest growing bacteria. This nitrate eating bacteria combined with your algae is likely removing all the nitrate.

I would suggest you start stocking your tank soon and keep the cycle going

**Strider199** · 02-10-2013, 09:21 PM

The sweet spot. I like that.
As a matter of fact I did buy a fire dartfish and a yellow tailed damsel today. The yellow tail was not my choice as I know Damsels are territorial. My wife liked the colours and I couldn't say no after all she has put up with during this set-up.