How to Lower the Nitrates a Reef Tank

In order to have a thriving reef aquarium, you need the nitrate level to be only less than 5 ppm (parts per million). Some salt water fish keepers say that the level should be .25 ppm. Nitrates are the chemical produced from creature waste, as well as any rotting uneaten food. You need to keep a close eye on your reef tank's nitrate levels.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nitrate test kit
• Water siphon
• Bucket
• New prepared salt water

1. Take a nitrate test of your tap water. Directions will be different depending on what brand of nitrate test you have.

2. Do a partial water change of a quarter to one fifth of the water in your tank with your siphon and bucket.

3. Add sea salt mixture (available in pet stores) to your water to get the right ratio for your tank.

4. Add new salt water to your reef tank.

5. Take another test of the nitrate levels in your tank water

6. Dim the lights for the tank, if possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the nitrate and ammonia levels daily when setting up a new reef tank, then you can change to monthly tests.
• Set up your tank for at least one month before putting anything living into it.
• If the nitrate problem is chronic, consider getting a new filter.
• Clear tap water does not mean it's low in nitrates.
• If you have invertebrates living in the tank, they need a nitrate level of less than .10 ppm.