Nitrates in fluval edge

[Pvillarraga]

I am having trouble keeping the nitrates down in my fluval edge 6 gallon only one clown and some CUC and couple frags. They stay between 20-40, I do a 1.5 gallon water change every4-5 days. Any suggestions. Does anybody know if they make a protein skimmer that won't take away the nice look of the edge?

[Zeyko]

Theres no protein skimmer by fluval edge as I know, but I have the fluval edge 6gallons, when I have high nitrates I just change almost 70% of water and that fix my problem

[Pvillarraga]

Still new at this so bare with me wouldn't a 70% water change take a lot of the good bacteria out, possibly start the cycle over. It's only been up for about 2 1/2 months and has about 3.5 - 4lbs of rock. I ditched the sponge yesterday to see of that would help at all. Your help is appreciated

[dannyp02908]

The bacteria are not really free swimming. They are in the rock, substrate, filter media, etc.

[bellis31]

My freshwater Edge has the same problem but I just do 50% water change every 5 days. Seems to keep it lower...

[Pvillarraga]

Am I gonna risk anything doing such a large water change?

I just did one yesterday about a gallon so if I did one Saturday say 2 gallons would that be fine or to much in such short period of time ?

[bellis31]

The worst that could happen is you cause a bacterial bloom... (cloudy water) go 5 days do 2gal per change and you should be fine, you may have to feed a bit less also if you can.

[Pvillarraga]

So I'll probably wait till Sunday to do it and see how that works I would like a skimmer but can't find one

[kurt_n]

What are you using for source water, and have you tested it for nitrates?

[Pvillarraga]

Ammonia and nitrite 0 source of water is LFS

[Zeyko]

So I'll probably wait till Sunday to do it and see how that works I would like a skimmer but can't find one

Theres nano skimmer, Even i saw on the internet some fluval edge with skimmer.

Just search on the internet, you will find people that use skimmer with the fluval

[Pvillarraga]

Will increased water flow help with nitrates. Do those nano skimmer for right on or have to be modded?