help with nitrates

[ablazinob]

I guys I have a 125 gallon tank with about 150 lbs of live rock with a 10 gal refugium about 20 gallons in my sump. how much water should i do in water changes i have to lower my nitrates they are about 15 now



thanks

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Water changes are not a good way to reduce nitrate. I discuss that in this article:

Water Changes in Reef Aquaria
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/rhf/index.php

Better ways include skimming, growing macroalgae, and deep sand beds. I discuss these and many other methods in this article:

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm

[RhodeIslandReef]

How much sand do you have in your tank?