My tap water is coming out at about 50-60ppm aparrently that is normal for around here! I have searched the forums and the things people seem to use are JBL NitratEx and
TETRA NITRATEMINUS.

I think I am going to go for the JBL NitrateEx as it can be reused, the tetra stuff could get really expensive.

Now I'm sure that NitratEx will do it's job but what about the 30%-40% of water going in at 50-60ppm after a water change, will this shock the fish until the filter media does it's job and brings it down to a safe level?

Cheers

Unless you are keeping some hypersensitive fish, I wouldn't worry about the levels. Better is to keep an eye on your tank's nitrate levels and make sure they don't massively rise through the period between water changes.

My tap water has ammonia in it, thus nitrite. I have no problem using it for water changes. The media takes care of it since the tank is completely cycled. That is in my 75 gal. For my 10 gal. I have been using jugs of spring water for the changes as it is in a mini cycle. I also use Prime water conditioner as it changes ammonia to a less toxic form.

Agreed. What fish do you keep, Japtastic?

I was talking about Nitrate not Nitrite, just so you are sure

I have just got some 1" JD's and Convicts using red eye tetras for dithers at the moment. Because my tap water is coming out at 50-60ppm maybe more, it's hard to keep the water below the 110 colour on my test kit, even after doing a 50% water change today I checked the water after a few hours and it was still 110ppm.

I really do want to bring it down to 20 at least, the main concern is the tap water going back in causing shock? What do you guys rekon?

BTW PH is 8 and Nitirite and Ammonia are 0

This post has been edited by Japtastic: Feb 6 2008, 11:41 PM

Hmm, nitrate test kits are not the most accurate at the best of times (for both, their accuracy at measuring nitrates, and the ease of discerning the different colours on the charts). If you want to be more sure, talk to the water company and tell them what you are reading. They may send someone around to do a proper test of your waters.

I was talking about Nitrate not Nitrite, just so you are sure

Oops ! Sorry

Yip, we're talking about nitrate too.

If the water from your tap is coming out at 50-60, then you should aim for the water from your tank to be the same. These levels will not adversely affect your fish.

The fact that your tank water level is so much higher than the tap water may indicate that your maintenance schedule needs revised. Try changing more water, more frequently. Also, cut down feeding slightly. This should solve your problem.

Aim to keep the level in your tank water as close as possible to the reading from the tap.

Cheers

BTT

andywg: Yeah reading them can be really hard!

backtotropical: It has only just finished cycling and was going to do a 20% water change every week does that sound about right? What should I do about it at the moment then, another big water change?

Cheers

If you've just finished cycling that may explain your high nitrate level. Did you do a fishless cycle or did you use fish?

I did a fishless cycle but with old filter media, substrate, bog wood, plants and decor. What's the vest course of action?

Did you do a large water change after your cycle had finished, but before you added fish?

You're supposed to change about 95% just before you add the first fish.

This post has been edited by backtotropical: Feb 7 2008, 08:57 AM

I didn't do 95% only 75% I guess I need to do a BIG water change now then?

A 75% change is fine. Not that much diffrent from 90% Since you have nitrate coming from your tap water, there is little you can do to lower it to the level you want. As mentioned already, you shouldn't have any problems with it where it is. In the UK, 40+ ppm from the tap is pretty normal and apparently running a little higher than that right now.

Ok I guess if you guys find it ok then it must be fine. Just out curiosity I have ordered some Seachem Purigen and JBL Nitratex just to see how that gets on, I just want my fish to be perfect, healthy and nice colours

I would be very careful with the Purigen. it removes ammonia, nitrite and nitrate thus making them unavailable for the nitrifying bacteria. You can become dependent on it.

Hmmm, wasn't aware you could become dependant on it, maybe I will stick to the JBL Nitratex then, any experience with that?

Hi I use the jewel nitrate removing sponge which seems to keep the nitrate level about the same as the tapwater (30ppm round here ). I also have a nitrazorb pouch (a mix of zeolites for removing ammonia, nitrite and nitrate) which I plan to use to pretreat my tap water before doing water changes to try and get the number down further.
Perhaps you could try something like that or use RO water (expensive) or alternatively use a nitragon unit (not sure where you would get one though)

Cheers

Businesslamb

Well the JBL Bio Nitratex is coming now anyway so I'll give that a go and see how it goes, if it works well then it will be a very inexpensive way of dealing with Nitrate as it will only cost £15 for 12 months!