Hey guys so I try to keep my nitrates low as possible of course. I was talking earlier with a friend on at what point though with cichlids do you start to worry the nitrate level is hurting the fish or hindering their color and growth? Neither of us really knew other than you should just keep it low haha. So what do you think?
What level for nitrates
- Thread starter cjam93
- Start date
Most natural waters where cichlids are found have a nitrate level in very very low numbers. Although not cichlid water, when I tested raw Lake Michigan water, next to where I lived, it was in the <1ppm range most of the year, and rose to between 2 and 5 ppm only during spring lake turnover.
There are many studies showing a level of 20ppm or higher can be stressful, and although that level may not cause acute damage, it can be the cause of chronic problems over time. Common problems with HITH and oscars comes to mind.
I always tried to keep my tanks in the <5ppm range.
There are many studies showing a level of 20ppm or higher can be stressful, and although that level may not cause acute damage, it can be the cause of chronic problems over time. Common problems with HITH and oscars comes to mind.
I always tried to keep my tanks in the <5ppm range.
As a rule of thumb, 10-20ppm is considered acceptable. However, fish can tolerate considerably higher levels without issues. In my planted tank, I keep my Nitrate levels at 40+ppm as part of my dosing regimen. My fish are thriving and show zero signs of distress. Granted, I perform a 50% water change each Sunday to "reset" the system. In a non-planted tank, I would aim to keep your Nitrate levels below 20ppm.