Nitrates high?

[MT79]

I have 29 Gal. with 45 Lbs. LR, 3" live DSB. 4 fish the largest 2.5 inches. My nitrates have been higher than before lately. I am running a bio-wheel on my HOB filter. My tank is 4.5 months old. Should I remove the Bio-Wheel? (it helped at first.)

 

[jackdp]

Removing the bio wheel couldn't hurt with the LR and LS...do you have a couple of powerheads providing good flow? Also, make sure your makeup water and topoff water is nitrate free and be sure to not overfeed.