Nitrate, Plants & Light

[michaelwgroves]

Hi, I have a fairly new tank, about 3 months old. All is going well.
Because my tank is deep I was advised to get some metal Halides.
I had been a bit naughty until recently and had not done any water changes, although I replace about 40 litres a week through evapouration. My itrates remained contant at about 5ppm. After having my new lights on for about a week my nitrates shot up to 20ppm.

Since then I have turned the Metal Halides off and done a 10% water change. The Nitrates have dropped back to 10ppm. I have ordered a resovior tank so I can automate my weekly water changes.

Is this just coincidence or would 2 * 250w Metal Halides raise the nitrates?

Secondly I have got a well stocked planted aqurium, but any hints on nitrate sponges would be good.

Thanks
Michael

 

[nry]

NitrAtes aren't an issue unless they sit much above 50ppm generally.

 

[Themuleous]

Yeh dont worry to much about the nitrate and I reckon your test kits aren't the most accurate on the planet so you should be fine. In fact low NO3 can cause algae so good idea to have some in the tank. Cant explain the rise when you turned on the lighting thou.

Did you add the lighting at the same time you did the water change, your tap water could contain lots of NO3.

BTW do you add tap water or RO to replace the stuff that evaporates? Adding more tap water will gradually make the water harder, so not a good idea in the long term.

Sounds like a nice tank, any chance of a pic?

Sam