Questions before purchasing Aquaripure

jpifer

Hi. I have a 55 gallon Cichlid tank that I've had for several years. I'm really fighting algae. I've moved the tank to a darker location thinking it was getting too much sun from a nearby window. After the move, including at least 30% water change if not more, algae is starting to grow again after two days. We tested the water and found the Nitrate level at 40 ppm. I'm guessing that's the biggest cause of my algae problem.

In researching I came across the Aquaripure site, your videos, and the forum. I've read quite a bit and I'm extremely interested, but I have some questions.

1) I currently use Nutrafin Cycle and Waste Control on a weekly basis. Should I/would I continue to use these if I use Aquaripure? Maybe I shouldn't use them anyway?

2) I just switched to using a Magnum Canister filter. I'm currently NOT using any carbon. Do I need to? (I know, not much to do with Aquaripure, but this seems like a great place to ask)

3) Your video says you have to add nutrients to the Aquaripure once to twice a week. Do any come with a new purchase? What are the nutrients?

4) Are the nutrients listed on your products page? "Freshwater Bacterial Culture"?

5) At twice a week, how long do the nutrients last?

6) I think in one of the forums that a water change is needed once in a while besides top offs. Is that couple times a year? I realize a lot of factors can determine this so just an average would be helpful.

Thanks,
James

Blackfeet

First the chemicals- It a good idea to reduce the need for chemicals whenever possible. The 2 additives you mentioned using are both bacteria and are fine to use but is indicative of another problem either ineffective bio filter, overfeeding, or lack of proper maintenance or all together. Are you vacuuming the substrate when doing the water changes. How often are you doing the maintenance.
On the aquapure I have no experience but I have never had a problem with nitrate in any tank I have ever had. I suggest adding a sponge filter. Depending on your setup you might be able to connect it to your canister suction via tubing from home depot. Sponge filters are excellent at proreating a highly active bio filter and are easy to clean.
As for the carbon I only use it when I have to remove meds or discoloration.
On the algea it might be a good idea to add a UV filter depending on your set up you might be able to use an inline model which are easier to hide and have better reviews

AbbeysDad

I realize this is an old post, but John seems to be AWOL here, so I thought I'd offer some info...


1) I currently use Nutrafin Cycle and Waste Control on a weekly basis. Should I/would I continue to use these if I use Aquaripure? Maybe I shouldn't use them anyway?
No, you would no longer use an alternative bio product.

2) I just switched to using a Magnum Canister filter. I'm currently NOT using any carbon. Do I need to? (I know, not much to do with Aquaripure, but this seems like a great place to ask)
The routine use of carbon is not necessary. John does suggest that the occasional use (once every few months) of carbon can be beneficial.

3) Your video says you have to add nutrients to the Aquaripure once to twice a week. Do any come with a new purchase? What are the nutrients?
The 'nutrients' are vodka or a sweet syrup like grenadine. 5ml is injected into the Aquaripure once or twice a week.

4) Are the nutrients listed on your products page? "Freshwater Bacterial Culture"?
No, the bacteria culture is what drives the process. Aerobic bacteria for ammonia and nitrites and anaerobic for Nitrates to nitrogen gas.

5) At twice a week, how long do the nutrients last?
Well that's just it, you add the 5ml of nutrients (food) to keep the bacteria active.

6) I think in one of the forums that a water change is needed once in a while besides top offs. Is that couple times a year? I realize a lot of factors can determine this so just an average would be helpful.
Yes, John suggests a water change once or twice a year. The occasional use of carbon helps clean up any impurities not fully handled by the bio-filtration.

Hope this helps.

Aquaripure

I apologize for the delayed response.

1) You can still use that product with the Aquaripure but it really isn't necessary.

2) Yes, I do recommend you use a little carbon with the Aquaripure although it is not necessary I find it helps to polish the water. I just recommend you do not overuse it and change it every 3 weeks or so.

3) Aquaripure does make it's own nutrient but you can also use ordinary drinking vodka (80 proof / 40% ethanol) I can send you a sample bottle upon request.

4) The Aquaripure nutrients will be on the product page any day now.

5) You inject only a small amount of nutrient so it lasts quite a long time. Exactly how long depends on what size filter you get. It is a very small expense.

6) I'd say an additional water change every 3 months is about average but many users do water changes even less often with the Aquaripure. Other users still prefer to perform more regular water changes. When nitrates are negligible I find a water change every 3 months to be about right to keep all the trace elements in good balance.

njdevilray

I’ve tried a number of things and I’m at my wits end in trying to reduce the nitrate level in my 55 gal tank saltwater tank. With weekly 10% water changes I maintain 20ppm which is no good for coral.
I have a wet/dry system which seems to reduce the nitrites and ammonia but not the nitrates.
I recently tried de-nitrate, stone like material which doesn’t appear to do anything. Perhaps I’m not using it correctly. I initially submerged it in my wet/dry after the bio filter but believe it may need oxygen so I placed it in wet/dry . Still no luck. Anyone have any luck with this type of filter material. The canister filters have same type of product, i.e Nitra-Zorb, etc. Can this material be recharged or do they need to be replaced, and if so how often? Sure like an answer to any of these questions .
In using the aquaripure filter, do I need to remove the wet/dry which does appear to do good job on ammonia and nitrites?
Thanks,

Aquaripure

I've answered this question on another thread.