Help!!! Nitrate issues

[4n2xtacy]

I've been having extremely high nitrate on my tank. I took down my canister and now I only have a hob protein skimmer and a mechanical filter. I've moved my water changes from once every 2weeks to once a week. All other water parameters has been perfect so far. My question is what is the most natural way to conquer nitrates without using chemical.

 

[HotRocks]

Using macro algae is the most natural. Most people use chaeto. What level are your nitrates?

 

[Mr.Asbury]

What tests are you using?

 

[Big G]

Chaeto and Sea Lettuce works really well together along with a decent light running opposite hours of your DT light. When your DT lights go out; turn on the sump light for the macro algae.

 

[4n2xtacy]

Using macro algae is the most natural. Most people use chaeto. What level are your nitrates?

I'm gonna be building a sump/refugium this weekend most likely. My nitrates are about 80ppm

 

[4n2xtacy]

What tests are you using?

I use the API Test

 

[4n2xtacy]

Chaeto and Sea Lettuce works really well together along with a decent light running opposite hours of your DT light. When your DT lights go out; turn on the sump light for the macro algae.

I dont have a sump yet but i'll be building one this weekend. Hopefully that helps.

 

[Mr.Asbury]

I use the API Test

Try getting a salifer or other higher quality test kit. I thought I had a nitrate issue when using API, but salifer gave drastically different results. Do you have any noticeable negative effects from the nitrate - if not, it may be the test kit not the nitrate.

 

[4n2xtacy]

Try getting a salifer or other higher quality test kit. I thought I had a nitrate issue when using API, but salifer gave drastically different results. Do you have any noticeable negative effects from the nitrate - if not, it may be the test kit not the nitrate.

Someone did tell me the kit could be the issue. I'll definitely be getting a better test kit. Thanks.