Nitrate & Nitrite

[wei0204]

I have read a lot recently, and something is confusing me now, need someone to clarify it for me.

I read an article saying that Nitrite is something good for plant and don't harm fish; while Nitrate will harm fish (don't remember where I read this), but today when I read this Webpage on the third paragraph is stating there, Nitrite is toxic to fish.

Can someone tell me which is the correct one?

 

[Fwapp]

Nitrite is VERY bad for fish. This should be 0ppm
Nitrate is OK for fish, but a big food source for plants. Upper level should be around 30ppm

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Nitrite is VERY bad for fish. This should be 0ppm
Nitrate is OK for fish, but a big food source for plants. Upper level should be around 30ppm

nitrAte is definately the less harmfull one, however there is a lot of dispute around what is an acceptable level of nitrate for different animals. I tend to advise people to stick to under 40ppm and you'll be fine, but there are some people who will tell you anything under 100ppm is fine and even more than that isn't too atricious.

 

[Themuleous]

I don't know the exact level in my tank, but even if the API kit is way off, I'm still at 100ppm, with no apparent ill effects on the fish, but from what I understand NO3 effects fish long term, i.e reduces their lifespan, but I'm not 100% sure on that so don't quote me! Its also meant to be more harmful to shrimp than fish, but I have shrimp in all my tanks and they seem fine.

Sam

 

[wei0204]

Ok, thank you guys...