nitrate problems

[STEVIE00]

my nitrates r quite high about 100
i know this is not as important as
ammonia but it still stresses the fish
my question is wot can u do to lower it
ive already done a 30% water change
but its still nearly the same as before
my test kit is a good one
its a tetra kit so cant say its it my test kit
1 ram as died


pls help

 

[jflowers]

Test your tap water. If it is lower than your tank readings, keep up the water changes. If its around the same as your tank readings, look into using RO water.

Jon

 

[STEVIE00]

Test your tap water. If it is lower than your tank readings, keep up the water changes. If its around the same as your tank readings, look into using RO water.

Jon

whats one of those RO

 

[jflowers]

RO (reverse osmosis) is pure water, no additives or impuritives that are found in tap water. Using as is in a FW tank could add its own problems as it has no buffers for PH. I would only consider it if your tap water had over 40ppm nitrate.

Jon

 

[FrAnK3333]

Id go for RO too, only problem is to get a good system its going to run you about $200

 

[snowyangel]

my nitrates r quite high about 100
i know this is not as important as
ammonia but it still stresses the fish
my question is wot can u do to lower it
ive already done a 30% water change
but its still nearly the same as before
my test kit is a good one
its a tetra kit so cant say its it my test kit
1 ram as died


pls help

Test your tap water first for nitrate. If it is high as the others mentioned, either buy fish that can tolerate it or DIY RO unit will have to do the trick.
Most people have close to zero nitrate in their tap. Most people try to keep their nitrate under 40 ppm if its possible. I keep mine at around 10-20 ppm in my tanks so if my nitrates goes above that, i know i need to increase my water changes.
If your kit is the problem, get your water tested at your lfs for like $5 to see if their test comes out any different.

 

[jflowers]

Agreed, RO units are expensive, but if you are going to use just RO they soon pay for themselves. If like me you only use a little each week then see if you can buy it by the gallon. I get 25L (about 7USg) for £3.00.

Jon