High nitrates

[griff5499]

I have about 40ppm of nitrates in my 36 gal tank. My tap water is showing between 20-30 so I started using purified water for my pwc. It shows no nitrates.
I do a vaccume once every other week and do a 30% water change once a week.
How do I lower nitrates? Is there a additive that I can purchase to lower nitrates?
Thanks for your help!

 

[ScotJudd]

Hi. The most natural way is to grow lots of plants, if it suits your set up. My 60g is heavily stocked and heavily planted. Nitrates never go higher than 5.