Nitrates

[blue acara]

i have just started a new tank, the tap water i used in the tank had about 10 ppm nitrates. yesterday i added 10 plants and for some reason the nitrates have dropped to zero. i know plants 'eat' nitrates but all of it in 24 hours? i also added tap conditioner and plant food before the plants so im thinking mabie im getting a false reading because of the other stuff in the water...? any thoughts?

 

[WILDER]

Yes the plants will reduce the nitrates, plus if you justed set up a tank you will have to cycle it.
Are you doing a fishless cycle or a fish cycle, as you have to go through the ammonia, and nitrite process, which can cause fish to die as it takes it's toll on them.

 

[blue acara]

im doing a fish cycle with 2 swordtails...being very careful with how much i feed them, regular water tests changes if needed etc. i just thought it wos strange thet the nitrate level dropped so much and wondering if water additives(the water conditioner, plant food) can effect the accuracy of tests. ty for reply

 

[WILDER]

Can we take a look at your test results in ammonia,nitrite,nitrate,and ph.
Ammonia, then nitrites turn into nirates.

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