Best way to remove nitrates without water changes?

[tcarswell]

Hey guys, i have currently only seen to ways of removing nitrates without having to do water changes. Using live plants or a DIY filter here: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180385&highlight=diy+light

Which one do you think will be most affective? Do you think i can get away without doing water changes? please tell me any other methods of removing nitrates. Its just back breaking, especially because i have a sump and have to turn it off.

Im building a scrubber for my show tank first. my stocking on 50% of my tanks prevents me from planting but the few that I can I have and I dont see a real measurable difference yet. However my experience with underwater plants spans about 5-6 months at this time.