Lowering Nitrates

[Cartman89]

Uh. What kind of fish are they? And how many days during the week are you feeding them?

[BoomerD]

Definitely DON'T stir up the sandbed. You can release way too many nasties that way. The top 1/2" CAN be lightly stirred if you need to, but I never did.
The Bio-Balls are one of the most common causes of high nitrates. While they are excellent for the first stages of biological filtration, (ammonia-nitrites-nitrates) unfortunately, they stop there, and do nothing to convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, which can then bubble off harmlessly into the atmosphere.
How heavy is your bio-load? What kind of fish, and how large?
How much live rock do you have in the tank? For good bio-filtration, the recommendations are 1-1/2 lbs to 2 lbs per gallon. For a 60, that would be 90-120 lbs of live rock...Some rock is lighter and more porus, and you can get by with less. Marshall Island rock is the lightest, 3/4lb/gallon and aquacultured rock is usually the heaviest, with 2+ lbs/gallon being needed.

[lcstorc]

If/when you remove the bio-balls do so slowly over some time. They are providing the first steps in the biological filtration and if you remove them all at once you will likely get another cycle.
With that said i believe they are at least part if your problem. I know they were in my tank.

[BoomerD]

Originally Posted by lcstorc

If/when you remove the bio-balls do so slowly over some time. They are providing the first steps in the biological filtration and if you remove them all at once you will likely get another cycle.
With that said i believe they are at least part if your problem. I know they were in my tank.

Thanks for catching that Lynn...I forgot to say...IF you choose to remove the bio-balls, so so very slowly, to allow the live rock to take over your biological filtering. Generally, the recommendations is to take out 1 handful every week, (or each water change) That helps to prevent an ammonia spike when you remove the main biological filter...

Remember, only the bad things in this hobby happen fast...the good things all take time...
Patience young Jedi...

[edmund36]

Does carbon media a mesh help with the cleanliness of the tank in any way?

Ed

[lcstorc]

It helps to 'polish' the water but does not help in nitrate reduction that I am aware of. Many people run their tanks w/carbon for one week a month just to get that crystal clear look.

[Charlie97L]

i will second the how many fish and what sizes.

you could also be suffering from overstocking, which often happens in smaller FO systems.

if i ever did a FO system, it wouldn't be less than 200g.

[Raf]

IMO, I would say good flow and a few good mech filters along with a good skimmer would help. The flow would make certain any fish waste does not sink to the substrate, rather gets picked up by the mech filters for you to remove. You have to remember to service your filters frequently or else the mech filters are just adding to the problem. A good skimmer is also very important as is keeping it in good shape.

Waterchanges are also a good idea but you don't wanna overdo it if you are on a budget like most of us. Chemical means can also help, carbon, nitrate removers can work but the first suggestions I mentioned are best. BTW, the LR idea is a very good one, I have had very little problems with healthy FOWLR tanks when they are equipped with around 0.5 to 1lb of LR per Gallon.

Good luck