Best way to lower nitrates safely?

[reefah]

My nitrates are pretty high testing at 54.9 on a 7 min Hanna Nitrate HR. Any recommendations to lower nitrates ?

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Water change

 

[muzikalmatt]

Water changes. Less feeding. Refugium.

 

[reefah]

Water changes. Less feeding. Refugium.

Thanks for the tips. I will look into a Refugium to place in my sump n feed less Thank you again!

 

[muzikalmatt]

Thanks for the tips. I will look into a Refugium to place in my sump n feed less Thank you again!

You're welcome! Water changes work, especially if you do several large ones over a few days, but ultimately if you don't address the cause of the high nitrates they will just come back. That's why I mentioned feeding less to lower your input of nitrates and a refugium as it can help lower nitrates and keep them low in your tank.

 

[damsels are not mean]

more coral or more algae that can utilize it

 

[damsels are not mean]

also I don't really think it matters, at least I have not seen evidence it does except when it's way out of balance with phosphates and one or the other goes to 0 and creates a situation where nothing can utilize one or the other

 

[Jackal799]

Thanks for the tips. I will look into a Refugium to place in my sump n feed less Thank you again!

My vote goes for an algae turf scrubber. I’ll never go back to a fuge. Too messy and I’ve found it much easier to dial in my nitrates by lessening or increasing the photo period.

 

[reefah]

My vote goes for an algae turf scrubber. I’ll never go back to a fuge. Too messy and I’ve found it much easier to dial in my nitrates by lessening or increasing the photo period.

Interesting! Is there a particular model you recommend?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Lots of good ways:

water changes, more skimming, organic carbon dosing (e.g., vinegar or vodka or commercial mix), growing macroalgae turf algae, etc.

 

[arking_mark]

I like the heavy in/out approach and use the following for the out:

• Roller mat
• Skimmer
• Refugium
• Coral
• DIY NoPox

Remember that nothing good happens fast in a reef tank, so lower you parameters slowly.

Water changes with a quality salt are awesome for parameter adjustments.

Be careful with Carbon Dosing as it can very rapidly reduce your NO3/PO4.