Lower Phosphates and Nitrates??

[churc1ej]

Does anyone know of a way to lower phosphates and nitrates without RO/DI water changes? I'm a poor college student so i cant really afford one. My Nitrates are around 5 ppm so not harmful but i would like them at zero, as for my phosphates, they fluctuate and i would also like them as close to zero as possible. I've tried 20% water changes weekly but I'm just guessing its my water from tap.

 

[RocketSurgeon]

You're tooting in the wind with tap water and wanting 0 nitrate and phosphate.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/rhf/index.php

http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/nitratecontrol/ss/nitratecontrol.htm

Get enough algae, maybe you can.

If I could get down to 5 nitrate, I'd be happy, and I use RO/DI!