Description
DSR Carbon v/s: Nitrate Remover
By dosing these nutrients in the right way, the anaerobic bacteria population will increase and the nitrate content will drop.
How to reduce nitrate?
You can reduce nitrate with a carbon source (Carbon Source). Well-known carbon sources include Vodka, vinegar, sugar, biopellets, but also citric acid, honey and dextrose are sometimes mentioned. In DSR I opted for the approach of a balanced Vinegar / Sugar mix (Carbon V / S). I have set up a modified table for that.
The condition to be able to lower nitrate by means of one carbon source is that Phosphate should also be present. Preferably at a level of 0.03-0.08ppm. It may sound contradictory, but at a lower level (0.0-0.02ppm) it can help to add phosphate to further lower nitrate.
Dosing a carbon source can stimulate the growth of sponges. In addition, I dose nitrate to stabilize its level at a desired height.
It is important with carbon dosage to ensure that your NO3 never falls below 0.5ppm.
When using in DSR always use a Salifert NO3 test to measure. (under no circumstances based on the redsea NO3 test)
In case of too low NO3, soft and LPS corals will suffer over time. When dosing nitrate (to 1-2.5ppm) and reducing the Carbon dosage daily within a week to a 3-5 dosage is then recommended.
