Don't need to check it out as I am familiar with that thread. What is apparent is your misinterpretation of the information provided. Lacking filter maintenance will provide for higher nitrates not overfiltration.
Water change question/nitrates
- Thread starter CharlieTuna
- Start date
Don't need to check it out as I am familiar with that thread. What is apparent is your misinterpretation of the information provided. Lacking filter maintenance will provide for higher nitrates not overfiltration.
DITTO and the OP has alot of filteration hence i gave my input it cutting it and half and test back in 3 days.
on my biggest tank by the time its due for WC its usually sits at 40-60ppm..
after 50-60% of WC usually it sits at 20
after 50-60% of WC usually it sits at 20
Putting the cause for nitrates discussion aside, what is a safe nitrate level?
Sorry, I just hate to see nonsensical information posted.
Nitrate levels are a bit subjective as everyone has their opinion. Zero is best but not really practical. What you need to do is find what your tanks rate of rise is and go from there. If your certain your well water has no nitrates the easiest way to find the rate of rise is by doing 50% weekly changes. If your tank is at 40ppm and a 50% WC reduces it to 20ppm then in a week your back to 40ppm. Then you can draw conclusion that your tank produces 20ppm per week. Now from there you can take steps to decrease nitrate further.
Further steps include filter maintenance schedule, tank cleaning(gravel vac), feedings, or even reducing stock. Once you have determined what effects your tank in what way you can set your goal. Also if your are heavily stocked, you may need to increase % of water changed or go with bi-weekly WCs.
I would occasionally confirm your test kit though by comparing to another test kit.
I myself like to keep nitrates below 30ppm or below 10ppm for injured/sick fish. Though once a tank has been running with the same stock and maintenance I don't test regularly.
Have you checked your tap to see what the nitrate reading is straight from the faucet? In my last house, the tap was about 20ppm before it even hit the tank.
