High nitrates

[annie p]

Nitrates were 20 in my 54g SW tank. I pulled off the biowheels from my emporer and that helped, but I was wondering about all thatbiobale in my bakpak skimmer. Does that need to be in there? I have 60lb of live rock in this tank. Also I know I don't need the emporer filter at all, but my tank is new, only cycled for less than 2 mos, so I'm going thru the diatoms and this extra filtration does help.

[travie]

Take out the bio balls. They are probably a big part in why your nitrates are so high.

[Drip Loop]

I dont know a lot about saltwater, but isnt 20ppm nitrates alright? I know its a great reading for a freshwater tank.

[travie]

Its high for SW. In SW, you want nitrates as low as possible.

[annie p]

OK I'll take out the biobale. thanks I have a similar question I will put in freshwater thread.