Nitrate control problem: Bio Pellet Reactor?

Hello All,
I am running a 90 gallon system which was purchased used (including live rock and fish) a few months ago. It has been running for 3 years prior to our acquiring It. was moved by a professional who recommended switching from crushed coral to a sand substrate. He did not remove the crushed coral - just added about 2 inches of sand and it looked awful. A month or so later we also added a refugium below and about 2 more inches of sand (in increments per recommendation from our LFS.)

At the recommendation of our professional who we rely on to do monthly maintenance a fluval filter was stopped as he said with all the rock and sand we wouldn't need it.

Nitrates in the tank run abput 20 - 25ppm between biweekly water changes and our maintenance guy says nitrates are harmless. Yet our corals are starting to look stressed and after speaking with the LFS we have upgraded the protein skimmer.

I've read about bio pellet reactors as a way to remove nitrates in addition to rock and other biological means.

My plan is to increase water change frequency to once a week for now to get levels lower but am looking for a way to create a more stable system where water parameters are not so unstable.

Is a bio pellet reactor a good direction to go or are there othee recommendations. Our sump is as large as will fit beneath the tank and still allow for storage if a few supplies. Its an aqueon proflex rated for up to 125 gallons set up with a refugium.

Sorry for the long post but wanted to let everyone know what we've tried so far.

 

Increasing your wc schedule is the best way to remove nitrates hands down as long as your source water is of good quality(A good rodi unit is essential for this to work).With that said there are many ways to accomplish that task but IMO if stability is what you are looking for do what I have done for almost 30 years now.Once a week water changes,and keep a LOW BIOLOAD,(very important hence the big letters;D) You will then be able to sit back and actually enjoy your aquarium instead of worrying about it(also very important but thought the caps were getting old. I digress).Be wary of LFS information and remember they are in business to sell you things.

 

Vinny, is there a particular RO/DI unit manufacturer you recommend? I'm still buying SW from the fish store 5g at a time and I need to make the plunge!

 

Spectrapure for RO/DI

 

SPECTRAPURE if you hurry you may be able to catch this incredible sale.I just received mine and its a beast!!!

SpectraPure® MaxCap RO/DI System w/ Manual Flush
I used a different coupon for 15 percent off but I think this one will work for you.Great deal and your tank/corals/fish will thank you.;D

The code is REEFAPALOOZA
Good luck!!

 

Thank you all for your help!

We are using a BRS RODI system. Will increase frequency of water changes until the levels improve.

 

I use bio pellets and went from 25+ to >2ppm in my 90
just have to start out slow and add more pellets after a couple weeks or you can get a cyno breakout

 

I use EcoBak biopellets as well.

 

I love my biopellets they get the job done for me.