Nitrate levels in Cichlid/Clown Loach tanks

[jumpin joe fish]

I do once a week water changes in my tanks and my ammonia and nitrite levels are 0. My nitrate reading is about 40. I change about 30% weekly.
Is that a pretty safe level or should I do a larger water change? I do not have time to do more than once a week.

 

[ewurm]

I do 50% per week, and my nitrates range between 20-30.

 

[Ianab]

40ppm is a little on the high side, not critical, but not ideal. It would be better if you can keep it down closer to 30. Upping the changes to 50% a week would probably get you close.

Cheers

Ian

 

[tapeworm]

How big is the tank? And how many fish do you have in there? Is it that overstocked that you get a bad nitrate spikes like that? Or could it be just the water quality coming from the tap? I know water from my place reads 40ppm coming from the tap. You might want to test that and see where you are at. . . Just a thought. . . and as always good luck. . .