Nitrates?

[bgkingd340]

hey all jus lookin for some tips jus checked my amonia, nitrites, and nitrates,amonia and nitrites were at 0, but nitrates are 5.0 ppm,,what would the cause of this be also what steps to correct ,,havent done my water change for the week yet ,,is that it??????

 

[rallysman]

You're in awesome shape if your nitrates are only 5ppm. You'll never get them to 0 because nitrates are a result of the bacteria breaking down ammonia and nitrite which are more harmful.

I would just stick to your routine. 5ppm is VERY acceptable.

 

[bgkingd340]

hey thnks levi for that info ,,,how r all your monsters im sure great ,ill holla at ya

 

[Bderick67]

my tap water has 5 ppm nitrate level, A good goal is to keep nitrates around 20ppm. Although could be lower or higher depending on what type fish you have.

 

[davo]

5. you're doing good my friend. Keep them at that!

 

[rhinod56]

5 is not bad at all, its when you get closer to 40 or 50 or higher, that you might want to start worrying, otherwise, just keep those other levels at 0 and you'll be perfectly set..

 

[guppy]

A greed with above, anything below 40ppm is okay but 5 is great, above 40ppm you need filter scrubs, gravel vacs, and water changes. To keep nitrates from climbing fast growing plants help, just exort the locked in ammonia products by harvesting and removing the older plants.

 

[DiXoN]

i wish i could get 5ppm.
keep up the good work

 

[kdguam]

I heard live plants use nitrates as food. Adding plants may help kepp your nitrates down by consuming them.