NO3 - Will the Matrix reduce water changes?

So I have just been through the Nitrate Reducer thread where Matrix appeared to be a great option for nitrate reduction.

My tap water sits at 15ppm, my 75 gallon sits at 15ppm. I change 45/50% by volume weekly.

1. If your NO3 levels maintain below say 10ppm is there any need for water changes?
2. Are the water changes purely to attenuate the high Nitrate levels through dilution with fresh water?
3.Will the Matrix (if works as claimed) reduce water changes?

Thanks

 

There are other minerals in the water that we don't test for that should be replenished by doing WC's. I've heard others mention using Nitrazorb with good results for reducing source water Nitrates.

 

As kallilly said, eater changes serve additional purposes other than nitrate reduction. That seems kind of high for nitrates from the tap, but not too concerning really.

 

Pothos works good to reduce nitrates, here is my setup

 

Thanks My wife bought me a small Pothos plant some time ago for this very purpose. The hanging fronds have now developed sufficiently for use in my opinion.

Do I just snip off the longer fronds and place in the filter media directly?

 

I don't put my pothos in my HOB's I instead drape them over the edges of the tanks. You can add a single leaf and it'll usually grow roots. Basically the entire plant can be used. If you see the stem rotting just toss it out or you can try cutting it shorter to see if it takes.

 

Cool. will do today still.

 

I wasn't having any luck with pothos growing out of my tank and I really wasn't fond of the mass of roots in there. I do have it in my snail jar though but still change out at least 50% of the water each week.

I have had good luck using nitra-zorb though. If you should choose to go that route be sure to also get some aquarium salt as that is how you will recharge/clean your nitra-zorb pouch.

I just use it to keep the nitrates down between my weekly 50% water changes.