How does everyone keep nitrates below 5 ppm in their reefs? Does live sand remove nitrates? Does live rock do this? I know water changes remove nitrates, but not enough alone. Is the skimmer a good nitrate remover? Please help me so I know how to keep them down.
I agree with Mr. Salty. Also do not overfeed. Skimming is also needed. A good skimmer will remove organics before they have a chance to raise nitates. Hope this helps.
1 unit ammonia = 1 unit nitite = 1 unit nitrate. If you remove organics before they break down into ammonia then this will result in less nitrates (ie a skimmer).
The only things to consume nitrates are anaerobic bacteria (plenum or other nitrate filter) and algae.
