High nitrate what should i do ?

[lroo67]

I keep getting high nitrate readings .40ppm im using an eclipse-2(20-gal) and have about 15lbs of LR and 12lbs of CC AND I DO A 25% water change a week.one maroon clown a yellow tail damsel and an anenome

[Fugly]

Give your substrate a stir b4 you do the water changes so you can get any left over detritus. Otherwise keep doing what your doing and make sure your SG is within to the 1.022-25 zone and that your PH is stable.
Doesn't look like you have too much of a biological load in your tank so it should come good soon.
How long has it been maturing? matured?

[lroo67]

I herd that the bi-wheel can give off alot of nitrates ?

[matrixnyc]

How old is the bio wheel?

If it is old, it may contribute to the high nitrate levels, but probably not the main cause.

[Thorkot]

Have you tested the water before you put it into the tank?

[RazerCorals]

Bio wheels are good for move removing nitrates and nitrites I believe. Saying I believe cause I'm not thinking to straight right now.

[lroo67]

my bio-whell is about 6-months now.i dont have a skimmer everyone says that i dont need one!!

[Fiji Live Rock]

Allow me to inform on Bio Wheels.

They break down Ammonia on contact and turn it into Nitrite which is also broken down by the bacteria in the BW and is turned into Nitrate which is then used by algae or removed through skimming and water changes.

[lroo67]

so im back to that do i or don't i need a skimmer?

[phistio]

also...biowheels (unless damaged) never need replacing.

to answer you skimmer question it's a matter of personal opinion.

i think you'd be fine with out it...but depends on what your needs are.