Nitrate 50 PPM from the tap ?

[invisyblegypsey]

Howdy,

The EPA level for drinking water is 10 mg/L nitrate as nitrogen = 44 ppm = 44 mg/L (does not apply to well water). Looks like you are right on the limit.

I have to fertilize my tanks with nitrates to keep my plants happy. You should try planted

HarleyK

AHHHHH yea that awsome jersey water

 

[seds]

java fern need lots of nitrates to be healthy and they need nothing else as far as special care other than a firm support to attach to and light of course.

All my java moss died except a few tiny strands but it is green again. You could try java moss or another kind (ID-ing moss is best left to the experts for most species) It is apparently real easy.

HORNWORT and ELODIA are also apparently a cinch. Never owned them... but I will in time.




You can try the high tech planting ways with potting soil and sand and CO2 and buying ferts. Lots of people like the hairgrass and baby tears.

 

[johnptc]

I filled up a 5 gallon bucket and dechlorinated it. Then I let it sit open for 24 hours. All the regular perameters were fine no ammonia no nitrites PH is always 8 . But the damn Nitrates were 50 ppm . What can I do about this? Is it safe to keep fish with tapwater like this ???

call the water dept and ask them what is should be....sounds high for drinking as well

 

[tcarswell]

call the water dept and ask them what is should be....sounds high for drinking as well

Will do also researching plants as ive never had them before so much going on at once lol

 

[FSM]

Will do also researching plants as ive never had them before so much going on at once lol

make sure you get bright enough lights - the ones that came with the tank most likely aren't bright enough.

 

[noonein2]

WOW bad water

 

[Merbeast]

Java fern is a great starter plant.

 

[drb]

The limit for tap water before they do anything is 45ppm. This is for Sacramento.

http://www.cityofsacramento.org/utilities/u-media/pubs-imgs/DOU_CCR_2007.pdf

 

[COLDasICE]

I read all my tests up against the cards in a well lit area. I've also seen on other forums where the color charts appear to be slightly different causing some confusion.

 

[HarleyK]

What are good starter plants? I have had aquariums since I was 5 but I have never tried plants before.

Howdy,

Our Planted Forum is a good starting point. Like THIS
As for plants, try Cryptocoryne. Anubias. Vallisneria.
You need substrate fertilizer and decent lights.

HarleyK