Lowering Nitrate????

[jaydog5000]

I my Nitrate is a bit hig for my liking. Is at about 30 -40 . I only use live rock and a HOB filter. I think i need to upgrade to something to help filter. All other levels are great. Almost 0 nitrite, ph 8.2, Alk 6-7, Calcium 425, Sal. 1.026ish. Also what else should i start testing now that i am getting more life in my tank.

[Gringoloco]

what about ammonia levels. The basic process goes from animal waste which turns into ammonia, which breaks down into nitrite, which breaks down into nitrates. How long has your tank been up, it will go through 3 phases, I believe you tank is still in a cycle phase or has started another one. You can add products that are reef safe that help in the removal of all 3 of those harmful chemicals (am, ni, na). But my suggestion would be to do a 10-25 % water change and measure again. I would recommend getting a skimmer also to help the removal of the bi-waste products.

[jaydog5000]

i moved my tank and upgraded fro a 20 to a 36 about 2 weeks ago. I did a 20% change on two days ago 6/7/04. It went down a bit. All other levels are great. I don't test for ammonia levels. Should I?

[Gringoloco]

I think the move may have created a mini cycle. But most Def. you should be testing for ammonia levels, they are a crucial factor in keeping a healthy tank. If you have an ammonia spike of .5 or higher it can kill everything in the tank. But like I said get some type of detox product, and a skimmer and keep up the regular water changes and you should be good.