Nitrate issue.

[aclark444]

Hello all, I have a 29 gallon setup. Recently I had a huge spike in nitrate levels, but after 2 water changes I have managed to get the levels a little below 20 ppm. I've had the tank for over 2 years. I'm hoping to get the levels down to almost 0 but i'm not sure what else to do. My ammonia and nitrite is 0 if anyone was wondering. I have a marine land penguin 200 filter and a coralife 65 protein skimmer I just installed with a koralia powerhead on the way. If anyone has any suggestions on how to get my nitrate levels down so I can keep coral I would appreciate it.

Thanks!
Andy C.

 

[192clark]

The penguin filter could cause nitrate build up. Now that you have a protein skimmer you should be able to do without the filter.

 

[aclark444]

Alright thanks.

Alright thanks.

Alright thanks, so I shouldn't need a filter at all anymore since I have a skimmer and a powerhead? I also failed to mention the huge spike happened when I replaced the old filter with this new penguin, but the old was a bio-wheel also. Hoping that was the problem.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

There are lots of ways to reduce nitrate. A common one these days is organic carbon dosing, but one can also use skimming (or more skimming), macroalgae growth and related ats systems, deep sand beds, and various types of denitrators.

This has more:

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php