What's the best way to lower nitrate?

[BowieReefer84]

Just did a water test with the following results:

 

using all API tests.

Nitrite- 0

Nitrate - 20

high range ph- 0

ammonia- 0

calcium- 540 (I need to stop with the purple up) haha

KH- b/t 7 and 8.

 

I would appreciate any thoughts on the nitrates? I have no idea how to solve this issue. Also, any other tests that I should be doing? Haven't done a water test in prob close to a year...

 

THANKS

Edited April 22, 2010 by BowieReefer84

[Novi]

Do you have a sump/refugium? Adding a good Macro Algae to your sump/fuge for starters does wonders! I dont know what your setup consists of so I cant offer to much help.

[Chad]

Nitrate reduction can be accomplished several ways. To naturally occur in your system you either need an anaerobic area (lots of LR, DSB, etc.) or something that utilizes it (macro algae, ats, etc.). Water changes can be done at a rate greater than the nitrate buildup (a really drastic example, if your nitrates double every week, you need to do greater than 50% water change every week. Also, you can vodka or carbon dose your system. I would recommend choosing a method that works best for your system.

[WaterDog]

A refugium will help. Also feeding less or doing larger/more water changes might have an effect.

[BowieReefer84]

Do you have a sump/refugium? Adding a good Macro Algae to your sump/fuge for starters does wonders! I dont know what your setup consists of so I cant offer to much help.

 

http://www.wamas.org/forums/topic/36760-bowiereefers-29gal-with-130-watts-of-pcs/

 

There is a link to my tank setup.

 

I really appreciate all the responses. I think will try feeding less as I feed a good amount now, and also water changes more often.

[Brian Ward]

Stay away from the vodka/carbon dosing routines until you've gained a little more experience. The dosing needs to be very accurate and you must follow the prescribed methods exactly or you can very easily crash you tank.

 

To remove nitrates, as Chad said, feeding less and doing more water changes is the most common way. Adding a refugium with macro algae is probably the most effective, natural method for reducing nitrates over the long term.

[BowieReefer84]

I was gonna ask if I should use a cheap vodka like Port Royal or a nice potato vodka like Chopin. haha just kidding. I will stay away. Thanks for the recommendation.