Newbie here

Leonardo Martinez · Jul 18, 2017

Hi my name is Leo...
I am only 1.5 yrs into making saltwater tank a hobby. Its been a little difficult but Ive had some help along the way. I was at the fish store yesterday asking way my tank is always high with nitrates and a guy jumped in and gave me some feedback which I really appreciated. He also told me to join this site and here I am:-) I have bio balls and I was told to get rid of them, but a little confused as to what I need to replace it with. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Coastie Reefer · Jul 18, 2017

Welcome to R2R. Have a picture of your setup? That may help with recommendations... plus we all love pics here!

RyanCSGO · Jul 18, 2017

Welcome to R2R :)

dbl · Jul 18, 2017

Welcome to R2R and yes, some detailed pictures will give us an idea on your setup, so we can offer better advice.

kschweer · Jul 18, 2017

Welcome to R2R!!

Tahoe61 · Jul 18, 2017

Welcome to R2R. :-)

Charcoal should take care of the yellow tint, just add a smaller amount than recommended.

KJ · Jul 18, 2017

Welcome to R2R!!!

Rick cowen · Jul 18, 2017

Welcome to R2R, if you have live rock,you don't need bio balls, they are only used for places for the beneficial bacteria to grow, the live rock does that better.

Salty1962 · Jul 19, 2017

Welcome to R2R!

jrwoltman · Jul 19, 2017

Welcome!!!

Salty1962 · Jul 19, 2017

Leonardo Martinez said:
Hi my name is Leo...
I am only 1.5 yrs into making saltwater tank a hobby. Its been a little difficult but Ive had some help along the way. I was at the fish store yesterday asking way my tank is always high with nitrates and a guy jumped in and gave me some feedback which I really appreciated. He also told me to join this site and here I am:) I have bio balls and I was told to get rid of them, but a little confused as to what I need to replace it with. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Your LR should be enough for your bacterial growth, just make sure you have enough. Bio-Balls compete with your LR for bacterial growth which diminishes your nutrient filtering capabilities. Do you run a Protein Skimmer? A PS and weekly water changes ,with a good salt, will help you with the high No3 and make your livestock happy;)