Nitrate high

[i2go]

My nitrate is high, bout 17! My tank has been running since new years. And my nitrate is still high, i have LR in my back chambers, rings, and carbon. ( i dont wash, i have a 12g nano cube) I hate the green algae, im trying to find small zoo and shroom frags, stuff like that softies. what should i do, new LR? Plz help!

 

[NicoleC]

17 is not too bad but it should not be that high in a new tank. Just increase your water changes (a minimum of 10% weekly), and rinse out the sponges in the discarded tank water when you do water changes. Also siphon out any detritus you see during water changes.

Carbon should be replaced at least every 2 weeks; you may want to increase to weekly until you get things a little more under control.