High Nitrates & low phosphate

[paul.o]

Tank has been running for about 6 months so relatively new, Nitrates have always been on the high side currently 50ppm phosphate is 0.1, Problem is hair algae has recently returned, I'm pulling a lot out which is helping but I feel it's the high nitrate that's fuelling it.

I have started feeding less but not sure what else to try, water changes don't really help at such high levels of nitrate so do I vodka dose? heard some bad things about over dosing it.

Tank is a RSM nano 75L bio load is a pair of clowns, neon goby + cuc, I've stopped using the skimmer as it wasn't really pulling much out but would it help with nitrate if i used it again.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Best way to quickly reduce nitrates is through a water change.

If you have a 20 gallon tank, changing out 10 gallons will reduce your nitrates to 25.

And, yes, turn your skimmer back on and dial it in so that it's pulling crud.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Also, what cuc do you have? You mentioned having one but no specifics

 

[bkwonnn]

Refugium or carbon dosing ?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Refugium or carbon dosing ?

OP is not carbon dosing - that's one of the things they're asking about.
*IMO, other means of export would be better...

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Tank has been running for about 6 months so relatively new, Nitrates have always been on the high side currently 50ppm phosphate is 0.1, Problem is hair algae has recently returned, I'm pulling a lot out which is helping but I feel it's the high nitrate that's fuelling it.

I have started feeding less but not sure what else to try, water changes don't really help at such high levels of nitrate so do I vodka dose? heard some bad things about over dosing it.

Tank is a RSM nano 75L bio load is a pair of clowns, neon goby + cuc, I've stopped using the skimmer as it wasn't really pulling much out but would it help with nitrate if i used it again.

Ok, based on your other threads, the tank is 4 months old and you've been dealing with the ugly stage for a few weeks... Post a pic of your tank if you can - I'd bet the algae is just the normal new tank growth. Your tank is way too young to start dosing carbon (or anything else). Good maintenance, weekly water changes, and patience are what you need right now.