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Post by Carl on Jan 6, 2012 19:37:41 GMT -5
I updated the Aquarium Answers article dealing with control of Nitrates. This update included grammar and other similar corrections as well as new information for control of nitrates in aquariums and ponds Aquarium Nitrates; ControlCarl
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Post by Carl on Feb 14, 2012 20:22:26 GMT -5
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Post by Carl on Oct 24, 2012 18:59:24 GMT -5
We updated the Aquarium Nitrates article once more. This time added breaks, removal of some now irrelevant information and clarification of other information was performed Carl
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Post by Carl on Nov 24, 2012 18:51:33 GMT -5
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Post by Carl on May 13, 2013 18:45:23 GMT -5
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Post by Carl on Oct 22, 2014 13:06:38 GMT -5
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Post by Carl on Jan 3, 2015 17:16:23 GMT -5
I have further updated the most popular article on the "Aquarium/Pond Answers" website: "Aquarium Nitrates" Here is a quote from this article: "However, Purigen along with other "Synthetic polymers, Ion Exchange Resins, Absorbents" cannot remove the volume of nitrates many/most aquariums require, so this product is best used with others especially NPX BioPlastics (Bioplastics must be used in a reaction chamber such as Fluidized Sand Bed Filter)."Reference: www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/07/aquarium-nitrates.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Jan 22, 2015 18:05:25 GMT -5
Steven updated the picture in the "Nitrate Control Projects" article/page This picture is of an idea I used in the past to control nitrates in marine reef aquariums and that was very effective. The previous picture/diagram was made by me and frankly was not very good. Steven made it come to life much better! Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Nitrateremoval.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Jun 4, 2015 20:19:12 GMT -5
I have updated the Aquarium Answers article about Nitrate Control to add more emphasis as to what this article is about: Nitrate Control" While there is some disagreement as to what high nitrates are, this article has never been about establishing what this line might be, rather about methods of control. I also added a link that Tom Barr referred to to diss this article as alarmist, which my statistics software showed he spent less than 1 minute just skimming the highlights before attacking this article. Interestingly, the link/article he used did not even support his point that I am stating even low levels of nitrates are dangerous (which I do not), as the article supports studies showing lower levels than I previously stated can be dangerous, not the extremely high levels he supports. What is sad, is this popular guru of planted aquariums does not even read what he trashed, and worse he made "Ad Hominem" personal attacks on me. I have many times shown nothing but respect for this man when online in my writings, but he does not seem to have the simple understanding that respect is a two way street, especially since I have more than 2 decades more experience than him www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/07/aquarium-nitrates.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Jul 18, 2016 16:36:34 GMT -5
I have updated the Aquarium Answers article about nitrate control. In particular the section about fish food has been updated. Here is an excerpt: ""Reduce feeding and use foods that are more easily digested (made with amino acids that will be used by the fish/aquatic organism and not be expelled) such as Spirulina Algae based foods. Your choice of food and over feeding can be a MAJOR contributor to DOC and in turn high nitrates, unstable pH, and low KH.
What many do not realize is that excess proteins not only lead to premature kidney (Renal) failure in fish, this also can be a source of high nitrate since nitrogenous wastes start as proteins. YET, many fish foods, that many unfamiliar with long term fish nutrition research think are top notch do not properly limit proteins and also still have to supplement otherwise natural ingredients resulting in a less than optimum fish food. Examples of popular and otherwise good fish foods that do NOT properly limit and utilize proteins include Repashy & NLS. Paradigm, now AAP Custom Premium Fish Food Better is an all natural fish food that is designed with the history of fish food research behind it that has optimum protein levels and ingredients that work best (not just are popular). First Paradigm met this, but later the creator of the formula improved the formula and now even better limits protein and it is now offered as AAP Custom Ultra Premium Fish Foods.""Reference: www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/07/aquarium-nitrates.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Jun 1, 2017 8:34:43 GMT -5
I have once again updated this article about "Aquarium Nitrates" Here is an excerpt: "*WHAT ARE NITRATES? Nitrates (NO3) are compounds composed of a nitrogen and three oxygen atoms and are often the final stage in the nitrogen cycle of fresh and saltwater aquariums if there are not nitrate removing plants, algae, or nitrate reducing anaerobic bacteria present. Nitrates are the conjugate base (chemical substance that releases a proton in the backward chemical reaction) of nitric acid (HNO3), consisting of one central nitrogen atom surrounded by three identical oxygen atoms. The presence or production of large amounts nitrates can result in the presence of Nitric acid according to the Brønsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases which will in turn affect an aquariums pH and KH (which can result in dangerous pH swings). This will also have an affect on your aquariums Redox balance and likely result in higher oxidative stress on your aquarium's inhabitants."Reference: www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/07/aquarium-nitrates.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Jan 18, 2018 9:59:44 GMT -5
More from Aquarium Answers article "Aquarium Nitrates" Here is an excerpt: *The use of a Protein Skimmer.
In marine aquariums is an effective way (depending on the skimmer) of removing ‘protein’ based organics BEFORE they can enter the nitrogen cycle and thus become nitrates. These devices do NOT work in freshwater as they work via foam refraction which is a process that will not work in freshwater. As well, there is also evidence that foam refraction will be limited by the use of carbon since carbon removes MBAS Foaming Agents. See this article for more: Activated Carbon, Uses, Adsorption, Absorption.
For Reef tanks, these devices are almost a must, and generally the low end skimmers are not adequate, high end skimmers such as Warner Marine mesh wheel skimmer or the Tropic Marine V2 Skimmer are among two of many good choices. I personally feel some older style protein skimmers can be over rated due to the often erratic upkeep they require (although the newer models are often worth the expense in both effectiveness and lack of hassles)
*Use of AAP Bioplastics Nitrate & Phosphate Reducing Polymer Media
AAP NPX Bioplastics Aquarium Nitrate & Phosphate Reducing Polymer MediaThis is a if not THE top notch method for BOTH effective nitrate reduction as well as phosphate reduction (both of which when combined can be very detrimental to marine aquarium hard corals). This product was originally intended primarily for marine aquarium use and it also requires a protein skimmer to be in use for best results. However use in a freshwater aquarium has been shown to also be VERY effective, if not the most effective method for problem nitrate levels and high bio loads. Some of the bacterial by-products produced by AAP Bio-Plastics may be assimilated into the plant root structures in planted aquariums, as well the use of SeaChem Purigen may help further remove by products that may yellow the water. Normally the use of Purigen in planted aquariums is not suggested for long term use, but with AAP Bioplastics, temporary use to clear yellow water would be an exception. With a fish only freshwater aquarium, use Purigen long term as well as use of Wonder Shells or Wonder shell fragments can offset any Redox Balance issues."Carl
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Post by Carl on Jul 20, 2018 12:42:17 GMT -5
I have once more updated the "Aquarium Nitrates" article. Here is an excerpt: "Plants in Freshwater Aquariums (or ponds); Plants will keep lower nitrate levels. A well maintained planted aquarium maintains lower nitrates by more than one attribute:
* Direct removal of ammonia by some plants such as Hornwort (Foxtail), as well as removal of nitrates from the water column * The roots also remove nitrates and other nitrogenous wastes. * Often a well maintained sand, laterite, Plant Grower Bed, etc. around the roots maintain a healthy anaerobic filter bed without reverting to sulfide reduction (Hydrogen Sulfide production), which can often happen in freshwater aquariums where sand is used if no oxygen is allowed to permeate.
* With a pond, nothing works better for nitrate removal from my experience than a Veggie Filter, which when constructed properly includes rooted bog plants along with a good de-nitrifying substrate, generally volcanic rock.
* Vivarium, Pothos similar to the Pond Veggie/Bog Filter concept is letting potted plants or a separate chamber with plants above the aquarium be "watered" via aquarium water, this in turn removes nitrates as well as other nutrients from the water column. Similar is the Refugium concept discussed a bit later in this article commonly used in marine aquariums. What I find interesting is that many in the hobby act like this concept is some new discovery (generally more common among younger hobbyists), however in an aquarium industry/hobby where mentoring is mostly a thing of the past, they do not realize this concept has been around for decades.Carl
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