I have a fairly new 50 gal long with 70+lbs LR and a 3-4"dsb. I have a Skilter (sucky protein skimmer w/ hang on filter) and a Fluval 304.
I'm running the Fluval until the tank matures and have been battling high NitrAtes since the 3rd week or so. Last check they were at 60. I think it is because my tank is young, has been moved twice and I overfeed. So far I've lost one shrimp.
Just yesterday
So..., now that I've learned a few things, I use the powerheads to blow junk off the rock and I clean out the Fluval & Skilter filters at least once a week. I rinse everything in saltwater. I also do 10% water change once a week.
Yesterday, instead of just rinsing out the media, I tore the Fluval down and cleaned it out. Dawg Gone there was A LOT of CRAP in there! And that was with my rinsing it once a week or so! I rinsed everything in a 20 gal tank w/ fresh saltwater.
I'm doing a 15-20 gal water change tonight. I'll let you know what the TrAtes are soon.
Sandy