i dont get it...

[Live Rock Ricky]

k... thanks... will do!

[zhenya]

well, i change one of the filters weekly.. think of a white piece of fabric in a square shape... the other filter is basically a pre filter - sponge - that sits in the overflow box... i think i will buy a new one.. i do rinse it out weekly though....

OK, I understand a bit better now your "filters" situation. All of those appear to be a prefilter material that I personally believe is the culprit here. Rinsing it weekly may not be enough, especially the sponges from your overflow. When I ran that wet/dry box as my sump I took everything out. The white piece of felt is worthless and cause more trouble than it;s worth... When you said that you removed your bio-media years ago you were not telling the whole story... Those sponges become just that- a biological media because they get populated by the bacteria and become a nitrate factories. Just like the bio-balls. ;)
I still don't have, and never will, any sponges in both of my systems. Lively DSB and live rock take care of biological filtration and skimmer takes out the rest.
Like Charlie mentioned already, perhaps your skimmer is a bit undersized for your size aquarium.

[Live Rock Ricky]

interesting Zhena..... I will remove all of them this weekend and monitor! thanks for the advice... i will keep you updated..... why the FUDGE does the manufacture put all this sheeeeeeet in there anyway if it is only harmful to your system?

[zhenya]

Well, those things aren't really harmful to your system. I believe those filters were designed for the fish only systems, but you know how LFS people are. They are pretty set in their ways and continue to recommend them to all salt water hobbyists.
Fish only systems are not as concerned with slightly elevated NO3 levels, some even run their system with Nitrates as high as 80ppm. These systems don't have to be as pristine, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, give that a go and post back your results. Stay on top with the water changes as well and I think you should see your NO3 go away soon. ;)

[Live Rock Ricky]

thanks bud.... i actually removed all the filters today!

[Live Rock Ricky]

check this out... did a 20% water change on sunday and removed the filters 11/7..... nitrates are DOWN to 10!!!!! wohooooooo...

[charlie]

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zhenya]

check this out... did a 20% water change on sunday and removed the filters 11/7..... nitrates are DOWN to 10!!!!! wohooooooo...

I'm glad it;s working out for you, Ricky. One more water change and you should be well under 10ppm. Stay on top of your skimmer maintenance as well, keep it clean and don't let any of that grunge dissolve back into the water. ;)

[Live Rock Ricky]

thanks guys!!! the advice is MUCHO appreciated......