Tap Water Has 1.0 Phosphate, 5 Nitrate...

[smmetz]

I set up a 20 gallon tank at work this week, seeding it with filter material from a tank at home. I put in 6 platy fry. The next day, I check the water stats. Phosphates are 1, nitrates 5-6. (0 amonia, 0 nitrites) Anyway, I test the tap water here, phosphates are 1, nitrates 4-5. Do you think I'll have algae problems with phosphates always in my water? I have some gravel stuff for the filter that is just for phosphates, but I wanted this tank to be lightly planted, so I'm not sure if I should just leave it alone or not. Any suggestions?

 

[zig]

As long as its a low light tank, you dont overstock or overfeed the fish , it sounds about perfect, just add some trace fertiliser like Seachem flourish every week or so and thats all you will have to do, the plants will use the phosphate and nitrate as food, but by not overstocking and overfeeding you will make sure the nitrate and phosphate dont build up to problematic amounts. I would say you will be fine.