Nitrates ????

[IndianMaidn]

Hi,

I have what may be a silly question. I just tested my water and I got a zero reading on Amm. and Nitrites, but the Nitrates tested at 20ppm. What would cause that ? It is a 55 gallon and I am running an Emporor filter with the bio wheels. I do a 1/3 water change every month. I also change my filter media at this time too, needed or not.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[unwritten law]

this just means that beneficial bacteria is breaking down the ammonia to nitrite and then the nitrite into nitrate. Nothing breaks down nitrate except for plants which use it as a form of nitrogen in metabolism. So it is a bit of a silly question because this is how your tank should be. Based on these numbers your tank is healthy and cycled.

 

[Newman]

Just make sure the levels dont reach 40 ppm or higher. if they do, concider adding something (such as a filter packet called API NITRO-ZORB) to lower the Nitrate levels effectively. (the product also removes nitirite and ammonie at the same time, and is reusable after some maintenance to the packet, which is why i think it can prove useful just in case)

 

[IndianMaidn]

Thanks a bunch ! Guess that's why my other aquarium doesen't have any, it's a planted tank, no plant eating fish in there ! I got alarmed cause it's never gone that high, there was always just a trace before. I do have some "all-gone" a nitrate remover I was using in my daughter salt tank. It's for fresh water too, I'll toss one of them into the filter. The fish didn't seem to be stressed or anything out of the normal, it was just me ! I've had these fish for about 2 years and would be devistated if something I could have done, did them in instead.

 

[homebunnyj]

Just make sure the levels dont reach 40 ppm or higher. if they do, concider adding something (such as a filter packet called API NITRO-ZORB) to lower the Nitrate levels effectively. (the product also removes nitirite and ammonie at the same time, and is reusable after some maintenance to the packet, which is why i think it can prove useful just in case)

I disagree with this advice, in that the best recourse for lowering nitrates is a good partial water change. No need for the additive.

 

[bmoraski]

i agree with Judy. Water changes instead of chemicals is the way to go.im working on getting my nitrates down so i added plants and im almost there. 20 ppm is the number im looking for ! lol
instead of 40 ppm.
good luck

 

[stoddern]

I also agree with Judy and bmoraski do waterchanges and add some plants don't add chemicles

 

[Newman]

Well i havent used the packet i suggested myself, because my Nitrates are at 5ppm. i just tried giving unbiased advice. yea i took water changes as a given, because a proper one will lower most hazardous levels in the tank.