Nitrates

I would say Tap water is your problem. I use to use a Pure filter on tap, and my nitrates never dropped below 15ish. Even if I measured the tap water, and it would say under 5ppm, it still did not help. Once a switch to RO/DI it was literally night and day. The water is crystal clear, and I can regular my nitrates wonderfully. I also bought an Aquaripure filter and ditched my skimmer. The aquaripure filter allows me to keep my nitrates at 0 if I want to(I keep it at about 5ppm for my zoas), and I only have to do a water change about every 3 months, to remove the phosphates(which yours are high), but I'm considering getting a reactor for that too. Probably my 2nd best investment to the ro/di filter.

Here's the link if you're interested, it is a nitrate filter, though a little pricey even for the mini.
Aquaripure Nitrate Filter

 

alright sounds worth it I'll get something set up. gotta take care of it

 

You should checkout SPectraPure, a 3reef sponsor, for RO/DI units. I have one and love it.

M

 

I have one too, not hooked up yet...leave it to an ex-plumber to leave the plumbing for later. I spend $6.60 a week at the grocery store for RO/Carbon/UV Sterilized water.

You must stop the tap water. It really is a bad idea, unless you have tested it for TDS and it's near zero.

 

Thanks for your service in the Coast Guard! My brother was at New London for 3 years until he was drafted for MLB.

M

 

I will test it... but still switch. sounds good to me

 

Roger that. It was a pleasure. I couldn't count how many peoples lives I helped saved. It was a privilege. MLB..how cool.