In an effort to lower 80+ nitrates in a 150 gallon FOWLR, I started dosing NOPOX with Vibrant and MB7. (I had both Vibrant and MB7 on hand and figured why not do both to maximize diversity) Previous to NOPOX dosing, my PO4 levels were always .03 or climbing and I managed that with GFO.
However, ever since I started NOPOX my PO4 levels have flatlined at zero. Since a stable PO4 is important to maintain, I started dosing NEOPHOS at 20+ml per day now for about three weeks. But I have not seen a dent in my tested PO4 level of zero. I'll start with a dose 20ml of PO4 in the morning, test about an hour later, and see .14. But by next morning PO4 is back to zero. I have seen similar experiences on these forums and the advice tends to be - "continue dosing PO4 and levels will rise after rock and sand stop absorption". However, there is no bottom I can see in sight after dosing around 500 mls of PO4 over time.
So what I am experiencing right now is that carbon dosing is effective with PO4 reduction but has done nothing for NO3. As fast as I add PO4, my tanks consumes it. But this is totally contrary to conventional wisdom.
So I am left wondering if the types of bacteria I am dosing is the cause of all this? There really is no guidance what these bacteria in a bottle products do and what effects they have.
Any thoughts, ideas, commentary appreciated.
However, ever since I started NOPOX my PO4 levels have flatlined at zero. Since a stable PO4 is important to maintain, I started dosing NEOPHOS at 20+ml per day now for about three weeks. But I have not seen a dent in my tested PO4 level of zero. I'll start with a dose 20ml of PO4 in the morning, test about an hour later, and see .14. But by next morning PO4 is back to zero. I have seen similar experiences on these forums and the advice tends to be - "continue dosing PO4 and levels will rise after rock and sand stop absorption". However, there is no bottom I can see in sight after dosing around 500 mls of PO4 over time.
So what I am experiencing right now is that carbon dosing is effective with PO4 reduction but has done nothing for NO3. As fast as I add PO4, my tanks consumes it. But this is totally contrary to conventional wisdom.
So I am left wondering if the types of bacteria I am dosing is the cause of all this? There really is no guidance what these bacteria in a bottle products do and what effects they have.
Any thoughts, ideas, commentary appreciated.