Test Readings

[Sambo]

My test readings are Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0 but my Nitrate readings are about 10 part per million and it says in my test kit it should be about 40.

Why is this and what can I do to boost the nitrate readings/

Thanks

 

[dthoffsett]

A nitrate level of 10 is perfect, what your test means is that a nitrate of 40 or under is "safe". Nitrate is the end result of the nitrogen cycle - ammonia>nitrite>nitrate>water change. The only way to get rid if nitrate is to do a water change. So, if your nitrate is 10, you are obviously doing an excellent job on tank maintenance.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Nitrates in high amounts (from what I hear 100+ PPM) can be deadly, but low amounts are to be expected, and are fine for fish.

 

[squarefish]

I have been cycling a tank for the past few weeks and my readings are like yours... looks like we have mature tanks!! Feels good