Nitrates help needed

I have a 90g fish only tank..... no live rock, with 4" sand bed. I have had this tank set up for a couple years, and have NEVER been able to get a 0-10 nitrate reading. I only have 3 fish.... two tangs, and a trigger right now. I have an Emperor 400 hang on filter, and a prizm hang on skimmer, and regular 40w flourencent lights (for now).

How can I get my nitrate reading lower????? I do biweekly 20% water changes..... wash the filter pads in saltwater bi-weekly, use ONLY RO-DI water, Instant Ocean salt, don't overfeed etc. PH, nitrite, ammonia, are all good.

Any advice would be greatly apprciated...... ;D Here's my tank....

 

Does the water coming directly out of your RO/DI unit test 0 for nitrates? If not there's your problem. If that tests 0 then you can try some shaving brush plants. I used those in the past and they feed on nitrates so they will help. I also used a nitrate bag in my canister filter which helped reduce the nitrates. Also might need a better skimmer. I used to use a hang on skimmer and it just didn't do the job it needed to do. Is your tank reef ready w/ cornerflo? Not certain on this point but you might need some live rock in there also to give the beneficial bacteria somewhere to grow....? Anyone out there able to confirm this?

 

What is your NA reading? IMO NA @ 10 is totally fine, in the past mine would go to 20 at times with no ill affects on my 55g reef. Some things thrive better in systems that aren't exactly perfect in that area. I don't think you should worry or attempt to lower it if it's around 10.

 

Without live rock you are limited as far as filtration. You may want to load your canister (or another smaller one) with something like AZOO Quartz Balls.

 

Wow....thanks for all the quick replies! My NA reading is 30 right now...and I just did a 20% water change. I don't have any inverts.... and the fish seem very healthy.

I haven't checked my well waters NA level.... I will do this.

I was thinking of ditching the Emperor and getting a Fluval 405, and a Octopus skimmer.

Any more ideas?????? Here's my tank.....

 

"I was thinking of ditching the Emperor and getting a Fluval 405, and a Octopus skimmer."
Good plan, I had that canister and for what it does it was great, just keep it clean.

 

oh ok, a NA of 30 is a bit high, I'd say a range of 10-15 is acceptable. I would def get a skimmer but the Fluval can quickly become an NA factory if you don't clean it consistently like unclejed mentioned.

 

how is your circulation and what kind of clean up crew do you have? My nitrates were kreeping up about a month ago. I increased my circulation and they dropped off. Also, how much and how often do you feed?

 

Definitely get some live rock, that will help with a lot of additional biological filtration. You could also get some chaeto. It will help consume the nitrates. You don't have to buy a lot of live rock but get some and some regular base rock as well.

 

+1 on the Liverock suggestions. I think your lack of biological filtration may be your problem.