NITRATE HELP !!!! (Sorry if this has already been asked)

[jwh]

Have you measured with different brands of test kits?
50ppm is high, but not critical to most fish, your fish seem to have acclimatized and tolerate these levels. Would be good if you can get it to around 20, but 50ppm is the hand you are dealt, with the suggestions made you'll hopefully be able to keep it at these level if not lower.

 

[justarn]

I'm in the uk and my water is similar, it varys from 20 to 50ppm out of my tap, I have been stressed about this before and I looked right into doing something about it, as others said massive amounts of plants can make an impact but the best option I found for me was anti nitrate resin.
You can buy it in bulk and once its full/used recharge it via 24hrs of bubbling air through it in a saltwater mix. mine is still in a bag in the cupboard atm but when I get a bag to retain it (its like tiny gel balls) ,I will eventually try it out!-)
I read its very very effective and 1l of resin will treat about 50l of water for a month dropping nitrates from 80ppm to 20ppm. may be wrong but that's as far as I got with my research.

 

[HarleyK]

DDOTRUSH, where are you located?
The US EPA drinking water limit for nitrates is 44 ppm. This does not apply to private wells, though.
If you're on public water supply, you should contact your water provider.

50 ppm is okay for many if not most species. Only if you're trying to breed certain trout species you'll run into issues.