Battling high nitrates

[Bradley]

Hey everyone. So I've noticed lately that my nitrate levels are through the roof (pushing 160ppm). I've done water changes, cleaned the substrate, and even rearranged the rocks to get better water flow through dead spots and even reduced feeding of fish and corals. What should I do???

 

[cloak]

Are you dealing with any type of nuisance algae right now? Do you have any filters on the tank? (HOB, canister) You might want to have somebody else test your nitrates just to be sure. (different kit)

 

[Bradley]

I had brown algae, but it's starting to go away. I also have a hob filter. I haven't thought about having someone else testing it.

 

[Bunnee911]

Tell us about your setup and post a photo. We looove photos.

 

[Bradley]

It's a 55 gallon with a 3-4" dsb, about 60 lbs of LR, a hob filter, a hob protein skimmer, and a mix of soft corals, sps, and lps corals. Also have about 13 fish

 

[Bradley]

I'll have to post a pic later

 

[Bradley]

To cloak: I took a sample of my water to my lfs and their test showed my nitrates right around 40ppm