does phosphates and nitrates go hand in hand?

my nitrates are very high and my phosphates are zero. i see where alot of people use phosphate reactors for phosphate issues but i have never had phosphate issues just always been nitrates. nitrates are always blood red on api tests. have been that way for over 2 years.
the only reason i am asking is that most people have undetectable nitrates and i see it as a challenge to get mine that way. i have been dosing vodka and i remember that i read where you also need phosphates present in order for it to work.
any ideas will be greatly appreciated. on phosphates and nitrates. and also vodka dosing if you like. thanks,brian

 

dosing vodka? really, I have never heard such a thing.. now im interested.

 

here's a link about it

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php

 

I dose vodka sometimes too! As for my tank I normally will try water changes! ;-)

 

First, are you using RO/DI water? How much do you feed, what size tank and what livestock? Having excess nitrates simply means you are putting more nitrates in or they are being produced naturally by means of excess nutrients and organic material. If you have had that high nitrates for two years with no problems, is it the test kit?