Can't keep my nitrates down

[Flsprophet2]

Hi all

I am having trouble keeping my nitrates down. I tested today and my nitrates are at 20ppm. Any suggestions on this. Is my tank overstocked?
I cut down my feedings to light ones every other day. I will be buying more live rock most likely tomorrow. I was wondering also if phos-x or nitrex would help with my nitrate problem. Please Help!!!!!

 

[nickthapainter]

Regular water changes will help as will a macroalgae refugium.

 

[Flsprophet2]

I am still really new to this great and wonderful hobby.
My tank is in my room and would a 29 gal really need a refugium?

 

[nickthapainter]

It certainly wouldn't hurt. Your Coral Beauty will eat macroalgae harvested from your fuge. Added pod production (food source) is also an added benefit. More importantly in your case -- nutrient export.

Refugiums are also interesting biotopes to view!

BTW, I also have a horseshoe crab in my tank. I'm probably going to give him away (size is a problem). They are fascinating to watch though!

 

[RMPD109]

I recently added a fuge to my 28 gal. Not only for nitrate reduction but also for the expanded water volume which makes care easier. I was also able to move my skimmer and heater out of the main tank to help with clutter.

 

[lando]

Three major contributors to nitrates are overstocking, overfeeding and CC substrate. I do not think you are over-stocked, feeding looks okay and you use LS so that rules all of those out. The best way to get them down is to do regula and frequent water changes. Adding a skimmer and a bunch of live rock will sure help. Shoot for between 1.5-2ls/gal of LR. It is your best option to keep NO3 down.