Nitrates High! Any suggestions?

[ZMattie]

I decided to check my levels today (i wish i would have eariler) everythings fine besides my nitrates. They are currently sitting right inbetween 80 and 160.

What ive done so far:
1. I did a 20 gal water change right away (about 3 hours ago)
2. I just went and bought a 60 gal air pump and have 2 tubes going at full blast on each side of the tank

Does anybody have any other knowledge as to what i can do to lower the nitrates?

Ive already lost most of the frags that jason gave me

My mushrooms seem to be fine and im not sure how to tell if my purple ridge monti is in good health or not. I dont want to lose all my livestock!! WHAT CAN I DO?? HELP ME!!

I will check my levels in about an hour and post where they are at just for some feedback for you guys.

Thanks ALOT,
Zach M.

[Afish4u]

wow. one what kind of test kit are you using?
2, how long has the tank been setup
3. did you add any live rock to the tank recently
4 anything die lately.... ie fish?

[ZMattie]

1.its been set up for about 8 months
2. I havent put any live rock in recently
3. yes i think so.... i put a yellow coris in 2 weeks ago and it disapered after 3 days, i think hes dead in there somewhere

[condiman]

those were the same questions I was gonna ask. Alot of times to if you dont blow off the rocks every so often the deterius builds up and can cause high nitrate

[ZMattie]

what do you mean "blow the rocks off"?

[PinkNanoReef]

I like to use a turkey baster. You just "blow" on the rock with it. Works like a charm.

[condiman]

I usually take a powerhead and go over the rocks lightly to dislodge anything that may have settled into the holes in the rock

[Loverotties]

I posted in your other thread.

[D.J.]

i wouldnt deff find that fish.........when my blenny got crushed under my rock it made my levels go up untill i found him and got him out....