How Do You Remove Nitrate From Saltwater Aquariums?
When fish waste and uneaten food disintegrate in your saltwater aquarium, the beneficial bacteria that live in your substrate, live rock, and filter media turn harmful chemicals like ammonia into less harmful nitrites, and finally, into the least harmful nitrates. As nitrates in the water accumulate, they can become harmful to your fish, corals and plants. The best way to remove nitrates from water is through frequent, small water changes. Consistently high nitrates, even with appropriate water changes, generally indicate that you are overfeeding your fish. Performing Water Changes Step 1 Turn off your pumps and filters. Step 2 Vacuum your gravel, allowing the dirty water to empty into a bucket, sink, or down a drain. This not only removes nitrates from your water, but removes organic waste and debris before it can be broken down into nitrites. Step 3 Change up to 25 percent of your total water volume. For example, if you perform water changes every other week, perform a change of appr
