Purigen and nitrates

[steelhealr]

Hi....I've been having very good success with my 46 gallon bowfront. No deaths since cycling..no algae problems and water is crystal. However, for some reason, I noticed that the nitrates in my tank at the end of the week were a little higher than I"d be happy with of late (60-80). I decided to test my tap water and was really suprised to see that it contained at least 20ppm and would explain the difference since I usually stay 40 or below (tap water never was more than 5ppm last fall). Has anyone used Purigen..or any other product to attempt lowering nitrates? Does anyone have cyclical nitrate changes in their water with regards to seasons As you can see, all my water changes are going to be adding in nitrates leaving me at an elevated base at the beginning of the week. Next step is to get readings from the local water co. SH

 

[yvez9]

i doubt purigen removes nitrates

they don't advertise it and i haven't noticed

 

[Inchworm]

Hi steelhealr

A few weeks ago I found that I was having algae blooms in a few of my tanks. When repeated big water changes didn't solve the problem, I bought PhosX, a product made by Hagen that claims to remove Phosphates, Nitrites and Nitrates. It cleared up the problem, which was probably more related to the phosphates and now my water is clear. It does less well with controlling the nitrates though.

After reading your post, I tested my tap water and it is at 20 ppm, or perhaps a bit higher. This is better than it was when I tested it before.

Unfortunately, I do not usually test my water, but I can say that this is not the first time I have had problems with algae blooms in the same few tanks. They are heavily stocked with growing young corys and I try to change some of the water daily. I thought it was my fault for not changing enough, but perhaps it is related to the high nitrates in the water supply.

Do you think this might be the case?

 

[steelhealr]

Hi Inchworm..thanks. It's funny, because, last fall when I was cycling, I was testing everyday for awhile and I never got a positive nitrate reading over 5 until, obviously, the last phase of cycling occurred. So...our nitrate levels definitely increased in our tap water. I am very consistent with my water changes like you and now I think I may have to do some 10% water changes during the week. It kinda frustrating to think that you remove 5 gallons at 40-60ppm and return 5 gallons with 20 ppm. Although, peak nitrate level is not very high for long, I wonder if the long term elevation would have any bearing. I think I may try the phosX on a sample of the tap...and see if it lowers the nitrate reading. Frank

 

[pica_nuttalli]

i noticed you're in long island. i know dwarfs and his dad lucky62 are in that same area; you could pm them on what they know about the water.

 

[steelhealr]

Thanks pica..'inchey' is here on 'the island' too. Frank

 

[jrd77]

I use Purigen but it has never affected my nitrate level...I am at a constant 12.5ppm with or without purigen.

 

[steelhealr]

Thanks jrd. SH