Help with Nitrates?

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spooky_doomdom

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 10, 2005
5
0
0
38
Wisconsin
I'm having problems with the nitrates in my marine tank. I have a 20g-long tank with a few inverts (hermit crabs) and five fish. My nitrates are at 10-15ppm and I can't get them any lower. I tested my tap water and the nitrates are 10-15ppm also. Is there any way that I can lower the nitrates in the tank? Any suggestions will help (I already do bi-weekly 30% water changes).
 
Add some coraline algae and discard the older growth as new growth comes in. I don't keep marine but The "salt water for dummies" book mentions that. Also check your test kit down at your lfs. I have had kits give bad readings
 
spooky_doomdom said:
My nitrates are at 10-15ppm and I can't get them any lower. I tested my tap water and the nitrates are 10-15ppm also.
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Sounds like your tap water is the source of the problem, although I don't consider 10-15 ppm of nitrates to be a "problem."
 
10-15 isn't an issue at all with that set up. An if it's coming in with that number, there's nothing much you can do other than change your water source. Filter feeders might help (small clam etc....) but even that won't do much.

I reallly wouldn't worry about it.
 
I agree, anything under 20ppm is no concern in my book. Zoodiver is right on with changing your water source either get a small DI filter and purify your own tap or since your tank is only 20 gal start buying water at the grocery store or LFS.
 
Not trying to be a party pooper but most experts will tell you 5 fish in a 20 is a little overkill. 2-3 is about right(Small Size fish as well), Also tap water is a big no-no unless you have an RO/DI unit, So between the overload & tapwater that's where your nitrates are where they are. Frankly I'm surprised they aren't higher.
 
38Gallon said:
Not trying to be a party pooper but most experts will tell you 5 fish in a 20 is a little overkill. 2-3 is about right(Small Size fish as well), Also tap water is a big no-no unless you have an RO/DI unit, So between the overload & tapwater that's where your nitrates are where they are. Frankly I'm surprised they aren't higher.
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:iagree: change your water source to RO/DI that will help alot. also check you salt mix, it may contain some nitrate.
 
I had a nitrate problem in a reef tank. I upgraded the pump to move more water over the substrate, helped a little. I skipped feedings, helped a little. I added more macroalgae, helped a little. I changed to RO, helped a little. I upgraded the skimmer, ran it wet for a few days... problem disappeared.
 
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