biofilter and nitrates

[gobbler]

In addition to a skimmer in my starter tank, I am also running a bio-wheel filter with a poly filter and carbon pad. I read where these filters generate nitrates, am I better off without them?
Thanks
:?:

[Whoyah]

Probably. With out constant maintenance, it will turn in to a nitrate trap. A skimmer and live rock is all you really need.

[dakar]

If the tank is just cycling now, yes they will ultimately cause more harm than good. You want nitrifying bacteria to colonize your live rock and substrate not a removable filter (they will become nitrate factories), or worse a biowheel that in reality kills as much beneficial bacteria as it helps create. By design the wet/dry will remove ammonia and nitrite but not nitrates, they are best suited for FW tanks. SW the more natural approach results in a far more stable system.

Removing the filter pads and biowheel and replacing them with a media bag with a bit of carbon to run it passively would be the best option if you are relying on the filter for circulation. Otherwise removing it from the system completely would work too.

[gobbler]

Thanks! It's cycled and running fine with a couple fish and live rock, just seems to keep nitrates high. All other params are great.