Nitrates and the use of Mangroves

This is the situation. I recently re-landscaped my marine tank. Obviously I had alot of stirred up substrate and cloudy water. Prior to the new arrangement my Nitrates were at 0 ppm. Now I hover around 30 ppm and rising.

I have a 55 gal tank (running for 1 yr), w/ 75lbs of LR, a decent clean up crew, 2 Maroon Clowns, yellow watchman goby and pistol shrimp. Coral load is 1 med size toad stool, 3 med size pink pom pom xenia, and assorted mushrooms. My bioload is small (I believe in baby steps). I have 2 X maxi jet 1200 powerheads and a powersweep 320 providing flow, a Red Sea prizm skimmer (not very happy with), a Ehiem Ecco 2236 Canister Filter. My lighting is the Coralife Lunar PC 48" w/ 2 X 65W 10,000k and 2 X 65W Acitinics. As far as water is concerned I replenish with RO water as required.

I have no sump/refuge so I feel I am limited to a Nitrate Remover or Mangroves. IMO my skimmer is crap and some of the problem could be traced to that however I would like some info regarding Mangroves and how effective they are. My current situation is stable however I want to cure this ASAP. I am interested in any Nitrate controlling techniques that people use. Thank you.

I agree the skimmer is part of the problem. I also believe that the continual digging my pistol shrimp is doing it is assisting in the nitrate rise. I am very careful with feeding and light exposure, so I hope the nitrates will eventually lower.

I would really like to have clams in my tank and am concerned with what type I can look after under PC lighting. Help?

Jason