death via nitrate

[dimfer]

Yes at later stages, many areas have water coming from the tap in the 10-15 ppm range

true

 

[fatsolomon]

Howdy,

I think the reason why you haven't gotten any replies, yet, is the general nature of your question (how about exposure time and species differences) and the fact that we don't push the limits to lethality. After all, we want to have happy fish.

As a general answer, the lower the nitrate levels the better. Keep them below 20 mg/l and your fish will be fine, at least regarding nitrate levels. Most fish can tolerate levels up to 50 mg/l without problems. Levels of 100 mg/l and above cause a fading of colors and decreased health. If you keep fish under these conditions long-term, their total life-expectancy will decrease. Although many fish can survive above 100 mg/l, it can acutely, severely harm them if you transfer them into these conditions from low-nitrate water. Under all circumstances should you avoid chronic exposure to these high levels.

What are your nitrate levels? And how often do you measure them, fatsolomon?

HarleyK

sorry guys, i forgot about this post...
my nitrates are off the charts from the tap. i use a tapwater filter to clear that up but i only do it when i have the cash to go and get a new filter carterage.
kinda off topic, but do you think it would be benificial to take off the AC110 from my reef and put another powerhead in there? i heard that the AC110 can be like a nitrate factory.

 

[guppy]

The AC110 and all other biological filters do produce nitrates but that is better than the ammonia, and nitrites that they start out as, make sure to clean the mechanical portion of the filter and clean the sludge out of the casing and it will reduce it a bit but to remove the nitrates you still need water changes, gravel cleanings, and fast growing plants.

 

[HarleyK]

my nitrates are off the charts from the tap

The EPA level for drinking water is 10 mg/L nitrate as nitrogen = 44 ppm = 44 mg/L

If your tap water exceeds that and you do not get your water from your own well, it's time to notify your water supplier ...

i use a tapwater filter to clear that up but i only do it when i have the cash to go and get a new filter carterage.

I don't think a regular water filter removes nitrates. Most models are ion exchange resins, which reduce hardness, or carbon cartridges which adsorb heavy metals and larger organic compounds. To my knowledge (and anyone please correct me if I'm wrong!), regular tap water filters are ineffective against nitrates.

Depending on your tank size, you should think about an R/O unit.

To start out, I suggest to introduce fast-growing, free floating plants, such as water lettuce, Elodea, Hydrocotyle to reduce nitrate levels.

And don't forget to call your water supplier!

Good luck,
HarleyK

 

[fatsolomon]

The EPA level for drinking water is 10 mg/L nitrate as nitrogen = 44 ppm = 44 mg/L

If your tap water exceeds that and you do not get your water from your own well, it's time to notify your water supplier ...


I don't think a regular water filter removes nitrates. Most models are ion exchange resins, which reduce hardness, or carbon cartridges which adsorb heavy metals and larger organic compounds. To my knowledge (and anyone please correct me if I'm wrong!), regular tap water filters are ineffective against nitrates.

Depending on your tank size, you should think about an R/O unit.

To start out, I suggest to introduce fast-growing, free floating plants, such as water lettuce, Elodea, Hydrocotyle to reduce nitrate levels.

And don't forget to call your water supplier!

Good luck,
HarleyK

unfortunately i have well water, so theres nothing i can do about that. the tapwater filter that i use is from aquarium pharmaceudicals and does remove all the nitrates for like 50 gallons of filtering.