After several weeks I have seen no improvement in the tanks consumption of nitrates and phosphates. Actually my tank needs more. Last week I ended up turning on my skimmer for 8 hours every night because a skimmer is removing more than just nitrates and phosphates.
Since I lowered my temperature from the mid 80's down to 78F (don't trust your thermometer/controller), added a ATS, reduced my skimmer time and better managed the phosphates/nitrates I have seen very positive results and my 2 part calcium and alkalinity usage has more than tripled.
I went from adding 30 to 45 mls of each calcium and Sodium carbonate to now adding over 150mls of each in my 75 gallon tank per day. I try to keep my dkh between 8.5 and 9.
My ph has stabilized at close to 8.3 24 hours a day. If I had an oxygen test kit I would bet my nighttime O2 levels are much higher now that I have a ATS and lower temperatures.
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