Acceptable Nitrate levels?
 

Hi,

Newbie question here :redface: , just wondering what a safe zone for Nitrates is? LFS says you don't need to worry bout them unless they are up at 80ppm. I don't really believe him lol

Anyways, my nitrates are above 20. Too high?

thx

What's in the tank?

saddleback clown
naso tang
unicorn tang
box fish
coral banded shrimp
3 starfish
21 crabs
13 snails

and only 16pounds live rock

If it's fish only, 20 ppm is fine. If oyu have corals, you'll need to get as low as possible. Not sure on th eshrimps, etc.
More live rock will help get rid of NO3. I assume you have a larger tank based on the fish you listed, so 1 pound per gallon would be a good starting point.

well i have a 55g right now, i'll upgrade as my tangs grow.