How do I lower nitrate in a reef tank without shocking corals?

Lower nitrate slowly to avoid stressing coral tissue and beneficial bacteria. For most mixed reefs, a practical target is roughly 2-15 ppm nitrate, with consistency more important than chasing zero.

Step-by-step plan

1. Test and log baseline: Test nitrate 2-3 times over a week. Log results in the ReefBay app to spot trends.
2. Reduce feeding waste: Feed smaller portions and rinse frozen foods. Remove uneaten food after a few minutes.
3. Increase export: Clean your skimmer cup and neck more often, replace dirty filter socks/floss, and siphon detritus from low-flow zones.
4. Do moderate water changes: 10-15% weekly works better than one huge change.
5. Add biological support: Consider refugium macroalgae or carbon dosing only after basics are consistent.

If nitrate is very high, avoid dropping more than about 5-10 ppm per week. Sudden reductions can cause pale corals and instability.

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Keep alkalinity, salinity, and temperature stable while reducing nutrients. Stability first, speed second.