High Nitrates

[baz_78]

I've been keeping fish for over 18months now but thought I'd post in this section as I still consider myself a 'beginner' to fish keeping!!

Over the last week, I have disappointingly lost most of my stock of fish due to high nitrAtes (off the scale of 100ppm test kit went to). NitrIte, ammonia and ph levels were all normal when I tested them.

I do regular water changes so doubt it is down to any breakdown of waste - I tested our tap water and it showed similar levels of nitrAte...

As a short term measure I bought an additive that reduces nitAtes and this seems to be lowering the levels in my tank but I do not wish to continually be adding chemicals unless necessary so was hoping someone would have an alternative suggestion for lowering nitrAtes.

Would adding an air pump to agitate/aerate the water more be of any use?

My stock is now depleted to just 1 cory, 1 tetra, 1 zebra danio and 1 algae eater - I know this is not good for keeping these species in singles but would rather get water issues corrected before adding more fish...

Any advice welcomed!

 

[andywg]

An air stone will do nothing for the tank, I wouldn't worry about that.

I am also intrigued by the nitrates. 100ppm is fine for pretty much all but the most sensitive of fish, and you do not appear to have anything too sensitive.

Many nitrate test kits are somewhat inaccurate, what test kit are you using? I have had a nitrate test 160ppm on RO water.

Apparently you have to make sure you bang the bottles onto something hard a few times and shake for a long time to prevent some settling in the bottle as well.