How Much Nirate Is Too Much?

[joannajane]

I've had my tanks for just under a year, and still feel like a novice.

recently both of my tanks 35ltr and 260ltr has been having a reading of about 20mg/l of nirate each week before I do a water change, I test before and after just to give myself reassurance. Nirite levels are zero and the same with ammiona. I tested my tap water and I'm now starting with 10mg/l of nirate which has changed in the last few months, is it normal for tap water to vary like this?

Am I keeping my tanks in a safe range?

 

[arobinson1984]

20mg/l or 20ppm is absolutely fine for nitrates.

Many people find they have nitrate readings in their tap water so we say to aim to keep nitrates below about 10 or 20mg/l above the tap level.

Depending on which fish you have may alter the levels of nitrate you should be aiming for although at a level of 20 its fine for pretty much anything.

Most fish can quite easily handle nitrates as high as around 800mg/l although we advise to keep levels below 50 mg/l so a difference of 750 mg/l to play with

As I mentioned different fish differ, such as blue rams are a sensitive fish and nitrates should always be kepts below about 20mg/l for them.

Andy

 

[always4lora]

Most of the time you dont need to check it, as long as it's coming out the tap okish and you have a good water change schedule you'll be fine for most fish. Also if you're adding ferts into the tank i've read it'll mess your readings up for nitrate.

 

[joannajane]

20mg/l or 20ppm is absolutely fine for nitrates.

Many people find they have nitrate readings in their tap water so we say to aim to keep nitrates below about 10 or 20mg/l above the tap level.

Depending on which fish you have may alter the levels of nitrate you should be aiming for although at a level of 20 its fine for pretty much anything.

Most fish can quite easily handle nitrates as high as around 800mg/l although we advise to keep levels below 50 mg/l so a difference of 750 mg/l to play with

As I mentioned different fish differ, such as blue rams are a sensitive fish and nitrates should always be kepts below about 20mg/l for them.

Andy

thanks for the reply and putting my mind at rest.

Jo

Most of the time you dont need to check it, as long as it's coming out the tap okish and you have a good water change schedule you'll be fine for most fish. Also if you're adding ferts into the tank i've read it'll mess your readings up for nitrate.

o.k so by testing daily is being a bit over the top then?
thanks for the reply and i'll try and chill out a little, lol

 

[always4lora]

Yeh testing daily imo is over the top but as said it depends what you're keeping for the majority of fish i wouldnt wurry about it .