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My nitrates keep spiking and my corals aren't happy. Running a 75-gallon tank with a protein skimmer, weekly 20% water changes, and feeding twice a day. Any tips to keep things steady?

Yep, nitrates can be a pain. What's your current nitrate level? I had a similar issue in my 60-gallon until I cut back feeding to once a day and added more live rock. Also, what skimmer you running?

I've been dosing vodka to keep nitrates down. Sounds sketchy but it works. Just gotta go slow, like 0.1ml per 25 gallons daily. My SPS are thriving now.

bould wrote: ↑Wed Aug 06, 2025 3:40 am My nitrates keep spiking and my corals aren't happy. Running a 75-gallon tank with a protein skimmer, weekly 20% water changes, and feeding twice a day. Any tips to keep things steady?

First, test your source water to rule that out. Second, try reducing feeding to once a day and see if that helps. Also, what's your filtration setup? More bio-media might help.

Nitrates are tricky but manageable. I'd recommend adding a refugium with Chaeto. It's been a game-changer for my 90-gallon. Also, check your protein skimmer's efficiency—sometimes they need tuning.

How old is your tank? Newer tanks often struggle with nitrate stability. If it's under 6 months, give it time. Otherwise, look into carbon dosing or a nitrate reactor.

Yo, nitrates ain't no joke. I run a algae scrubber and it's been clutch. Also, cut back on the flakes, they're nitrate bombs. Pellets are way better.

finleyo wrote: ↑Wed Aug 06, 2025 6:22 am I've been dosing vodka to keep nitrates down. Sounds sketchy but it works. Just gotta go slow, like 0.1ml per 25 gallons daily. My SPS are thriving now.

Vodka dosing? That's wild. I'd be too scared to try it. Anyone else have experience with this?

I've had success with a combination of water changes and adding more live rock. Also, make sure your skimmer is pulling out gunk consistently. A dirty skimmer is useless.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try reducing feeding and look into a refugium. My skimmer's a Reef Octopus, so it should be decent. Appreciate the help!