Solutions to High Nitrates?

[sbpbasme76]

Hi, when testing my water today everything is fine excpet the Nitrates. I use the Aquarium Pharmecueticals, INC Saltwater Master Liquid Test Kit and for Nitrates there scale goes from 0 ppm to 160 ppm. Currently my water is showing up as being between 80 and 160. Ive read about Nitrates and how to deal with high levels from different sources and some contradict each other. I think the problem may be from left over food or algea. What do you suggest I do to bring the level down? Thanks :)

[airbrnebkr]

How often do you do water changes? how lomg has your tank been established? I could be wrong but I think at this point doing some water changes will be your best option, at least until you get it down to e reasonable level.

Doug

[Max]

Just a couple of more questions please? What kind of substrate are you useing? If it's crushed coral it basicall a big old detritus trap. I'd take it out if you have one in there. Also if you have filter media in your filter that can cause problems if you've had it for to long especially in a canister.
hth
chris

[mogurnda]

Nitrate enters your tank mostly as food.

Nitrate can leave your tank in several ways.
-skimming, which removes organic compounds before they become nitrate
-water changes
-live rock/live sand denitrification
-growth of macroalgae (like caulerpa or chaetomorpha) or fast growing corals (like xenia).

Reducing feeding and increasing export will obviously reduce nitrate. How you do that depends on your setup, your preference and your pocketbook. How is your tank set up right now?

[Cearbhaill]

Have you tested your source water for nitrates?