You can reduce nitrate with a carbon source (Carbon Source). Well-known carbon sources include Vodka, vinegar, sugar, biopellets but also citric acid, honey and dextrose are sometimes mentioned. In DSR I opted for a balanced vinegar / sugar mix (Carbon V / S). I have set up a modified table for that.

The condition for reducing nitrate with a carbon source is that phosphate must also be present. Preferably at a level of 0.03-0.08 ppm. It sounds contradictory, but at a lower level (0.0-0.02ppm) it can help to add phosphate to further lower the nitrate.

Dosing a carbon source can stimulate the growth of sponges. In addition, I dose nitrate to stabilize its level at a desired height.

With carbon dosing it is important to ensure that your NO3 never falls below 0.5 ppm.

When using in DSR always use a Salifert NO3 test to measure. (under no circumstances assume the redsea NO3 test)

In the case of a too low NO3, soft and LPS corals will eventually suffer. It is advisable to dose the nitrate (to 1-2.5 ppm) and to reduce the carbon dose to a 3-5 dose week within a week.

DSR Carbon v / s: Nitrate Remover is a balanced Vinegar / Sugar mix (Carbon V / S) which can be dosed according to the following table:

Properly dosing these nutrients will increase the anearobic bacterial population and lower the nitrate content.

DSR CarbonVS/ 250ml

DSR CarbonVS/  500ml

DSR CarbonVS/  1000ml

DSR CarbonVS/  5000ml