Nitrates

[LFCdave]

I’ve had my reef aquarium for 2 years. My ammonia and nitrites have always been fine but my nitrates are always around the 40ppm. I didn’t have room for a sump filter so I’ve been running it on a canister which is cleaned every 2 weeks. Can I add a skimmer to run alongside the canister and would this help.
Any advise would be grateful.

 

[MnFish1]

Yes you can add a skimmer. Yes it would help.

My comment would be 'why' do you need a sump filter - I'm not sure a canister filter is going to 'remove' nitrates if its changed only every 2 weeks. I might suggest you ditch the sump filter (which can be a hassle to change) - and use a Skimmer alone - or in conjunction with another nitrate removal method. (Filter socks, etc that are changed more often), algae reactor, etc etc

 

[Zach B]

Great advice above! Best of luck