Nitrate high?

[tmccaff]

I checked my Nitrate with Hanna it reads 33.4, I am using the Nitrate LR 718 version, I wasn't sure if I did correctly.

I checked with API and its between 20-40. What is the best way to lower nitrate? I plan on doing a 12 gallon water change now, I have a 60 gallon tank by the way and in 3 more days do another 12 gallons and so on until it gets to safe range. Thoughts?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

It’s not urgent at that level. I like to keep it lower than 20, so you are just slightly above normal, but not a big deal IMO.

The easiest and most immediate way to reduce nitrate is with a water change, but there are many methods to reduce and control nitrate.

 

[MrGisonni]

Water change, test and monitor. Feed a little less and turn your skimmer up a bit. Change out filter socks and siphon detritus during your water change. 10-20 ppm nitrates is the sweet spot for most systems. I have success keeping nitrates down using a small denitrification chamber in my sump with Brightwell Xport cubes.

Brightwell Aquatics - Xport NO3 Cubes