Step 2 — Algae & Nutrient Control / LR Nitrate Remover™
Reef Essential® · Nutrient Control
The same science, dialed down for maintenance.
LR Nitrate Remover™ uses the same denitrifying-bacteria approach as HR Nitrate Remover, just dosed lighter — built for tanks already at or below 15 ppm that need steady, ongoing upkeep rather than a big correction.
Why a lighter dose matters once nitrate is under control
Once nitrate is already at or below 15 ppm, dosing at HR strength risks pushing it too low — and corals still need some nitrate for normal biochemical processes. LR Nitrate Remover feeds the same denitrifying bacteria — Thiobacillus denitrificans, Micrococcus denitrificans, and related species — at a gentler, steady rate instead.
Those bacteria colonize anoxic pockets in porous live rock and filter media, not just a sand bed, so a dedicated deep sand bed isn't required — this works well in bare-bottom systems too.
ppm
The ceiling this product is designed for — above that, HR Nitrate Remover is the better starting point.
gas
Same end product as HR — nitrate reduced to chemically inert nitrogen gas, nothing left behind.
media
Bacteria colonize live rock and filter media just as well as a sand bed — no dedicated deep sand bed required.
What you're actually working with
The requirements and contents behind the dosing numbers.
Contents
Deionized water and bioavailable carbon sources — nothing else. The bacteria in your tank do the rest.
Required parameters
Maximum 15 ppm nitrate, dKH 7 or higher, pH 8.2 or higher before you start dosing.
Protein skimmer required
Must be used in a saltwater aquarium with a protein skimmer, added to a high water flow area.
Works with what you have
Feeds bacteria already present in your live rock, media, and sand bed if you run one — no dedicated deep sand bed required.
Simple directions
Shaking isn't required, though inverting the bottle 3–4 times helps if it's been sitting a while. Careful not to overdose.
Switch to HR above 15 ppm
If nitrate climbs back above 15 ppm, move to HR Nitrate Remover for a stronger correction.
Dosing guide
Based on your current nitrate reading. Must be used with a protein skimmer, added to a high water flow.
| Nitrate level | Dose |
|---|---|
| 0.1 – 1.0 ppm | 0.1 – 0.5 mL/day per 100L (26 gal) |
| 1.0 – 5.0 ppm | 0.5 – 1.0 mL/day per 100L (26 gal) |
| 5.0 – 10 ppm | 1.0 – 2.0 mL/day per 100L (26 gal) |
| 10 – 15 ppm | 2.0 – 3.0 mL/day per 100L (26 gal) |
Nitrate above 15 ppm?
Or dealing with a different nutrient entirely — here's the rest of the line.
HR Nitrate Remover™
Same approach, dosed stronger for readings above 15 ppm.
CARBONBio-Active Carbon™
For odor, tannins, heavy metals, and toxins.
PHOSPHATEPhosphate Remover
Pulls out both free and chemically-bound phosphate.
CORALLINESweet Coralline™
Feeds coralline algae growth directly.
Questions about this product
How do I know when to switch to HR Nitrate Remover?+
Do I need a protein skimmer to use this?+
Do I need a sand bed to use this?+
What's actually in this product?+
Not sure how much you need?
The Quantum dosing app calculates exact amounts for your tank size and nitrate level.
Order direct from Quantum