Hello, New to 3reef. Nitrate issues.

The first thing I would do is 15 -20 gallon water change. Then I would build a sump/refugium and fill it from the Display Tank and add new water (in practice that would be another water change).
For the sump I would get as big as you could fit. I would target a 40 gallon but the bigger the better. Get a good hunk of Cheatomorpa in there.

That is what I would do immediately. It is somewhat easy and does not take a lot of time or money.

 

Welcome to 3reef hwy2hell!

 

I think thats your problem, those dip tests are pure garbage. Get your self a decent testing kit or take a sample of your water to your LFS and have them test it for ya. Try to get the exact numbers if the LFS does it for ya. Luna

 

I agree with Luna.

 

Luna, the LFS uses those dip sticks. I will ask for an alternative test. However, the dips are consistent with normal test kits in the past.

ALW. Just did water change yesterday. I really am starting to think over feeding and lack of good protein skimmer maintenance is a big problem. Regarding the fuge, I just have zero room. 90 gal corner tank behind my couch. Just no room at all.

 

ALW. I have a large sump but I must put the return pump, the chiller pump, protein skimmer and pump in there. Not much room for anything else. It may have 15 gallons in it overall. What would Cheatomorpa do for me? And should it be placed there in the dark?

 

Once my Cheata started to really thrive - My nitrates went form 15 to zero. You would have to add a light cut that'll only cost you $12. (If you can fit it all). See link:

http://www.3reef.com/forums/refugium/nitrates-zero-20-here-what-i-did-55911.html

 

Light cut? spelling or a device I have never heard of?

Thanks for the link and help.

 

The cheato likes to "eat" nitrates, it grows off of them (someone correct me if I'm wrong). I have cheato in both my tanks (in the sump/fuge) and it works wonders.

You say you have approx 15gal sump? You can't fit anything bigger under there such as 29 or 30gal? Making a sump/fuge can and will help drastically! If you really cant fit a fuge down there, throw some cheato in the main tank and try that.

 

No room at all. Corner tank perfect for my scenario but I have no space at all. Cheato in main tank I can do, But what about my yellow tang. Would that be futile?