High nitrates?

[jeep07]

I tested the water in my tanks today and both had nitrate readings of 10. What is causing this spike? A cycled tank should have 0 of everything, both of my tanks are cycled.

 

[CLDarnell]

BB convert ammonia to nitrites, then convert nitrites to nitrates. Nitrates will continue to build until removed. The only (affordable, practical) way to reduce nitrates is to do a water change.

Congratulations, you are at the end of your nitrogen cycle (this time lol)

And well done checking your water parameters

 

[jeep07]

thanks lol. should i do a water change when the nitrates hit 5 or is it okay at 10? what can the fish tolerate?

 

[swk]

Keeping nitrates under 20ppm is a good goal to shoot for. Less is always better, but most fish can tolerate levels above 20ppm

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

Unless you have plants in your tank, don't expect nitrate readings to be zero

 

[kdrun76]

Let them build up to 20ppm, then do a 50% water change to bring them back down to 10ppm. Repeat.

 

[packer43064]

I do 40ppm of nitrates. If your have a moderately stocked tank you will be changing it often at 20ppm.

 

[Racersk]

Keep your water changes to once a week on moderately stocked tank and you will be OK...

A recent posting went over this. 20ppm is acceptable, but some municipalities start at 15ppm+, as long as you maintain a 20-25% weekly water change, you'll be fine.

 

[jclyde13]

10ppm is actually well within the safe range. Anything below 40ppm is fine. My tank stays at a fairly consistant 20ppm.

 

[Jc1119]

Super sensitive species need to be at or below 20 ppm , but most fish can handle 40-50ppm for short periods. I've personally never been able to keep any tank under 5-10 ppm since some will come directly out of your tap. A good conditioner, like prime , will detoxify most nitrates so water changes with a good quality conditioner are the best way to keep them in check.

If you do want nitrate sensitive species, they always benefit from a planted tank. Plants can get your levels super low.