Reducing or keeping nitrates in check through small partial water changes over a period of time is effective, but when the levels are dangerously high, this process cannot give you the results you immediately need. As an experiment, we allowed the nitrates in our aquarium rise to a very high level, literally off the scale, and then performed a multiple step water change procedure that we had contemplated trying out for some time. We found it to be very efficient, quickly lowering the nitrates to zero in a day. Rapid nitrate reduction is said by some aquarists to be just as harmful to the tank inhabitants as the high nitrates themselves, but we experienced no ill affects in this regard. In fact, it worked so well for us the first time that we use this multiple step water change procedure whenever we make a water change. If ill affects of rapid nitrate reduction are a concern, you can do this type of water change over a longer period of time, rather than all in one day.
Closing Comments
The methods for controlling nitrates in your saltwater aquarium system we have discussed here are just a few to take a look at. Nitrate control isn't really as hard as you might think. Consider regular aquarium maintenance care first. If that doesn't work, pick a nitrate control method and give it a try. If after a while you do not get the desired results you are looking for, try another one, and keep trying until you find one that works for your system.
