I have a high nitrate level in my tank and I want to see if there is some type of media I could put in my canisters to absorb the nitrates more!?
Can I use a certain filter media specially for nitrates?
- Thread starter michael
- Start date
I live in the Uk & we are able to obtain a sponge specially made for JUWEL aquariums but which could fit in a canister filter. It solely works on absorbing nitrates. It needs replacing every 6 weeks but works well. I'm sure there must a similar product across the pond. If not you could try some of the mail order firms here.
A filters job is to convert everything into nitrates. to get rid of the nitrates change the water
Nitrate is the result of the bacterial breakdown of ammonia > nitrite > nitrate which is the final stage of the natural biological metabolic waste conversion also known as the nitrogen cycle.
Although less toxic than ammonia/ammonium and nitrite, nitrate as a nitrogen compound also causes stress at all levels making a fishs organs work harder to adjust to its new environment. The increasing stress results in the loss of ability to fight diseases, the ability to heal itself, and the ability to reproduce.
It is essential for you, the aquarium hobbyist, to maintain a proper environment for your aquatic companions. High nitrate levels are a sign of poorly maintained aquariums and will cause problems in the long run
The process of breaking down ammonia > nitrites > nitrates is known as the nitrification process. It takes place in an aerobic environment. Nitrifying bacteria settle on gravel and build colonies. They need nutrients (ammonia and nitrite) and oxygen in order to perform their tasks. The result is nitrate. The removal of nitrate, if not utilized by plants, takes place in an anaerobic environment and is called denitrification.
Nitrates are potentially dangerous due to the effects on the water chemistry and on a healthy environment for your fish while nitrates are accumulating. The higher the nitrate levels the higher and severe the consequences due to the stress on your fish and the favorable conditions for a serious algae outbreak.
Nature provides an almost nitrate free environment with levels around 5 ppm or less. The higher the nitrate concentration the more stress for the fish. Extremely severe stress is reached at levels exceeding 60 ppm. Most of the plants fail before reaching this level. This due to an accumulation of live forms feeding from the waste, and the consequently higher biomass (animals living in the aquarium) leads to an increasing demand of oxygen.
Therefore nitrate levels (NO3) should be kept under 10 ppm. As most of the test kits measure nitrogen nitrate (N-NO3) the reading has to be multiplied by 4.4 to get the accurate nitrate (NO3) concentration.
Nitrate is also a key nutrient source for algae. Most of the pesky and unwanted algae thrive on poor water quality, high nutrient levels and excessive nitrate. Many initially cycling tanks experience an algae bloom due to this effect
Generally speaking common algae types thrive on nitrates above 10 ppm. Keeping the nitrate levels lower will at least eliminate a major factor of algae outbreak
a wet dry filter that has 4ft to 6ft of media will break nitrates down.. i do understand many can not afford such a filter
Although less toxic than ammonia/ammonium and nitrite, nitrate as a nitrogen compound also causes stress at all levels making a fishs organs work harder to adjust to its new environment. The increasing stress results in the loss of ability to fight diseases, the ability to heal itself, and the ability to reproduce.
It is essential for you, the aquarium hobbyist, to maintain a proper environment for your aquatic companions. High nitrate levels are a sign of poorly maintained aquariums and will cause problems in the long run
The process of breaking down ammonia > nitrites > nitrates is known as the nitrification process. It takes place in an aerobic environment. Nitrifying bacteria settle on gravel and build colonies. They need nutrients (ammonia and nitrite) and oxygen in order to perform their tasks. The result is nitrate. The removal of nitrate, if not utilized by plants, takes place in an anaerobic environment and is called denitrification.
Nitrates are potentially dangerous due to the effects on the water chemistry and on a healthy environment for your fish while nitrates are accumulating. The higher the nitrate levels the higher and severe the consequences due to the stress on your fish and the favorable conditions for a serious algae outbreak.
Nature provides an almost nitrate free environment with levels around 5 ppm or less. The higher the nitrate concentration the more stress for the fish. Extremely severe stress is reached at levels exceeding 60 ppm. Most of the plants fail before reaching this level. This due to an accumulation of live forms feeding from the waste, and the consequently higher biomass (animals living in the aquarium) leads to an increasing demand of oxygen.
Therefore nitrate levels (NO3) should be kept under 10 ppm. As most of the test kits measure nitrogen nitrate (N-NO3) the reading has to be multiplied by 4.4 to get the accurate nitrate (NO3) concentration.
Nitrate is also a key nutrient source for algae. Most of the pesky and unwanted algae thrive on poor water quality, high nutrient levels and excessive nitrate. Many initially cycling tanks experience an algae bloom due to this effect
Generally speaking common algae types thrive on nitrates above 10 ppm. Keeping the nitrate levels lower will at least eliminate a major factor of algae outbreak
a wet dry filter that has 4ft to 6ft of media will break nitrates down.. i do understand many can not afford such a filter
what he said 
yes, you can remove nitrates with media, but more frequent water changes does the the same job and so much more.
yes, you can remove nitrates with media, but more frequent water changes does the the same job and so much more.