High Nitrates - Advice?

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

After tons of reading I'm starting to think this all happened due to trying to be proactive and I moved all my 1.5 + year old substrate all at once. I've been trying doing large water changes once a week, using prime, Dr. Tims bacteria, and have had no success in keeping the nitrate down.

Those things alone won't generally keep nitrate down.

There are many good ways that I describe here:

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium - REEFEDITION
https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/nitrate-in-the-reef-aquarium

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, there are many important reasons to use RO/DI water, but I don't think it most likely that replacing the water you are using with RO/DI is going to make much difference in your nitrate.

 

[Pete polyp]

That would be awesome if you know how to DIY those walls

Rock, a table saw and silicone is all you need

 

[Ivan Moreno]

Those things alone won't generally keep nitrate down.

There are many good ways that I describe here:

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium - REEFEDITION
https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/nitrate-in-the-reef-aquarium

Checked this website out and I will probably be looking at getting a skimmer today.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Checked this website out and I will probably be looking at getting a skimmer today.

A skimmer is often very useful in an aquarium. Its increased aeration is also helpful.