Nitrate levels!!

[slocolocal]

Help! I have a brand new 150 gallon tank. 150 lbs live rock, about 2 inch base sand with 20# of live sand, reef 180 sump, 6-2 reef skimmer.
I am on my tenth day and the Nitrate levels are still way high. What can be done to get the Nitrate levels down? Do I need a water change? 25%? Salt water?

 

[duke13]

A full cycle can take anywhere from a week to a month. You're probably still cycling the tank. However, if you wish to help reduce the nitrates, just do simple water changes. 10-20% changes every week should help.

 

[popnfrresh]

do 5-10% water changes weekly. if not weekly do 10-15% 2xmonth. try to do them smaller more frequently to minimize stress.
Incorporate a Algael turf scrubbber. they will reduce nitrates. do not add more fish, get a nitrate reductor. Lots of things you can do but all will cost you more money.

 

[otto13]

Chaeto macro algae is a nitrate gobbler.
Almost everyone swears by the stuff.
Granted, it wont be instant gratification, but it will keep the nitrates in check and gradually start to reduce them.
You will need a lot for a tank that big.

 

[sinner's girl]

Have you done a water change yet? Nitrates won't go away on thier own. If you don't have fish or inverts, just do about 25-50% water change, wait a week or two and do another one if needed.
Also, it should take longer than 10 days to cycle, did you see the am and nitrites spikes?