Problems with high ammonia and nitrates

[h3b]

I have a tank thats probably 1yr and 6months old. It is a 125g tank and I am having problems with my levels.
Ammonia .5
Nitrate 20 (not TOO bad)
Stock
2 CLown fish
3 chromis
a couple leathers and about 30 other dead corals (got a bunch one month then trates killed em.
and a forest of Halimeda
I have a wet/dry filter and a brand new up to 100g HOB prizm filter, (looking to get another) and about 250lbs of LR and 6" DSB
I dont do water changes often (i am going to start though) but even so ammonia shouldn't be this high.
I'm thinking it may be because of some dead zones but not sure.
Thanks for the help

 

[dkw27]

What is your salinity? If it drops too low, you will have die off from your live rock that will cause the ammonia to rise, plus the coral and inverts need salinity to be around 1.025

 

[steve24]

the dying rotting flesh of that many corals would cause your spikes in Ammonia, Nitrates and Nitrites... start doing some water changes

 

[grue]

Ummm, I think it is working as designed. Maybe your ideal of a reef and your practices are out of line. Per your post, No Skimmer, infrequent water changes, Poor Flow, No mention of live rocks, and a ton of food for a cycle. I am not trying to be mean. Perhaps a visit to https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/301033/101-tips-to-beginning-and-maintaining-a-saltwater-aquarium/40 Good husbandry practices = Good water conditions = Stability = Happy fish and corals = Happy you. Check the LFS to see if they can come over evaluate your setup. And get your water under control. I hope this helps you, and allows your livestock to live. My 2 cents
Grue