definitely by taking all the ceramic rings, etc. out of ur cannister will reduce ur nitrate level, i did that and nitrate reduced by abt 25ppm. some suggestions i can give u is to utilise a dsb, more LRs, good skimmer, denitrator, refugium to grow macroalgae. personally, i m using the berlin method with a refugium...... more LRs...... upgrading to a better skimmer soon.