switching from bio balls to LR

[semoluv]

i have read that using bio-balls as media in the bio cube can cause high nitrate readings. i do regular water changes, i DONT overfeed, and i have been having trouble with nitrate readings around 40 consistently. when i do a water change, it brings it down to around 10, but within a couple of days, the nitrates are back up.
i am thinking about switching from bio balls in the overflow to small pieces of live rock for better filtration.
my question is---
is this to my benefit to switch?? will it help my nitrate readings?? lastly, could it solve my nitrate problem?
i want to add inverts eventually but must get nitrates under control before i try.
14 gal biocube
6 mos. old
amm/nitrite - 0
nitrate - 20-40
15 lbs. LR
1 clown
1 bicolor psuedo
4 snails
4 crabs
0 aiptasia (got em )

 

[interex]

yes the more lr the better you can also put more in your tank

 

[ibew41]

do you have sand or cc?

 

[semoluv]

it is sand, live sand from Caribsea that i added at start-up.
and unfortunately i also have some red algae growing on the sand....but i have been leaving the lights off and siphoning it out to get rid of it.

 

[ibew41]

do you have foam pads in your filter

 

[emilaya101]

I don'y know what exactly your situation is, but you can grow chaeto in there, and that is supposed to cut down on nitrates substantially

 

[semoluv]

yes there is 1 small foam pad in my filter.

 

[skytrack]

I had a problem with some red algea so I talked to my LS and told me to buy some REDSLIME CONTROL. It worked perfect. in 2 days it was all gone!!!!
If you have a skimmer you will wnat to keep it off for at least 2 days. When you turn it back on DO NOT LEAVE IT ALONE!!!! It will foam up for about 2 hrs. but then it will start filtering again the way it should