Extremely high nitrates but everything else is perfect

[avgreen]

Hey guys,
So in my display tank (120 gallon), I have had problem with nitrates since the beginning (over 2 years ago) and they've just gotten higher. I have a refugium, I dose vodka for bacteria growth, and I do bi-weekly 20 gallon water changes. I did a full test yesterday (alkalinity, pH, nitrates, nitrites, calcium, iron, phosphates etc) and everything was great except nitrates (it was so high it was past the test). Just wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions for nitrate removal. My corals are growing and my fish are fine but I just want it better! I am about to switch out my chaeto because I rarely ever harvest it. Please let me know if you have any suggestions, I would prefer not a chemical solution but a natural one.

 

[Webslinger]

Weekly 10% water changes?

 

[windemerejack]

You say your corals are growing and your fish are fine, why do you want to change anything?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I did a full test yesterday (alkalinity, pH, nitrates, nitrites, calcium, iron, phosphates etc) and everything was great except nitrates (it was so high it was past the test).

Above what? 100 ppm? 500 ppm?

100 ppm is not the end of the word. Some great tanks have nitrate that high.

organic carbon dosing is a good way to lower it if other methods are not doing the job.

 

[Chefwheredyougo]

Don't try to chase a number, if your tank is fine let it be.