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Nitrates & Nitrate Control

By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com Guide

Nitrates can be a problem in a saltwater aquarium. Nitrates are a part of nature, but excess nitrates can be harmful to corals and other invertebrates. Nitrates are also the food of choice for algae, another problem in saltwater aquariums.

Nitrate - A Primary Food Source of Algae

Allowing nitrate to accumulate in a saltwater aquarium goes hand-in-hand with algae problems, as this is a primary food source for many alga forms. Solve the problems with nitrate, then you can prevent nuisance algae from taking over your aquarium.

Nitrate, and Ways to Control It in Saltwater Aquariums

An introduction to nitrate or NO3 that explains what this element in a saltwater aquarium is, where it comes from, what the acceptable level of nitrate is for fish-only and reef tank systems, and how setting up a regular aquarium maintenance routine relates to controlling this problem element.

Rapid Nitrate Reduction Water Change Method

Stan describes his water change method that can reduce high accumulated nitrate in saltwater aquariums quickly and safely, and includes an animated graphic of the process.

Top Nitrate Absorbing Products

Although not normally a major problem for most fish, excess nitrates (NO³) in a saltwater aquarium can be very detrimental the the health of most corals and many other invertebrates. A number of methods and materials, other than denitrator coils, have been utilized to absorb or convert nitrates to a harmless substance. Here are some of the top products available on the market today.
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What Is A Coil Denitrator and How Does It Work?

Nitrate isn't good for our systems, be they FO (fish-only) or reef. You can buy a commercial denitrator that cost big bucks, is difficult to adjust, and requires feeding and monitoring to maintain proper operation. However, another very low-tech solution to very common nitrate woes is a coil denitrator!

Coil Denitrator Plans by Don

Don Carner shares his coil denitrator plans for making this unit that works to reduce nitrate in saltwater aquariums in automatically.

DSB (Deep Sand Bed) or No DSB?

Since the Live Sand Filter was created by Dr. Dean Jaubert, the pros and cons of the DSB (Deep Sand Bed) both with and without a plenum have been discussed. The DSB was created to help reduce Nitrates, but are there some drawbacks? Here is a quick overview of both sides of the debate.

Using Mangroves for Nitrate Reduction

From your About Guides Articles Archive, an in-depth discussion about using live mangrove plants to reduce nitrate in saltwater aquarium systems, naturally!

Long Term Nitrate Reduction

Long term nitrate reduction. How to easily, Inexpensively and Permanently Reduce or Eliminate Nitrates in Saltwater Aquariums.

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