Large water changes input

[sirruckus]

Tested my tank water recently, since this is something I've often neglected - and finally got most of the parameters inline except Nitrate (just did a 20% water change last week).

After searching the internet and other reputable forums water changes are the solution. Right now I have 80-160 ppm Nitrate which caught me by surprise - but it all makes sense now since two of my fish have disappeared in the last 10 days (cant find them, even after moving rocks, anemone likely cleaned up).

Large water changes are frowned upon, is this because most people are scared, and don't have experience and just carry on the myth? One article suggest draining tank down to 20% water - then filling up to 40% , then drain that down to 20% again, then fill back up. This theoretically would change my Nitrate from 160 down to 16ppm.

Anyone else had to resort to this? If it was an option - I'm concerned about corals being above surface water.

Look forward to your comments