Very High Nitrates

[freded]

I've been monitoring the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels on my 380 litre tank and over the last couple of weeks, the nitrate levels have been going through the roof (getting near the top of the chart on my test kit). The tank is fully cycled in that I'm getting no signs of ammonia and nitrite but the nitrate levels keep rising.

The tap water in my area (Herts) has very high nitrate levels according to the tests I've done.

What can I do to reduce the nitrate levels in my tank. I've done a 10% water change the last two nights-should I start doing more water changes?

Is there any long term way of reducing the nitrate levels? Is there anything I can get to put in my filter? I've got a Rena XP3 and Tetratec X700 running on the tank.

 

[andywg]

Depends on the actual level. How high is high?

So long as it is below 100ppm I wouldn't massively worry.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Depends on the actual level. How high is high?

So long as it is below 100ppm I wouldn't massively worry.

Yeah, It has been shown that a majority of fish really aren't that effected by Nitrates. Personally I still like to keep them below 50ppm but this is more due to old habits then anything else.

You can get nitrate absorbing filter media. I have never used it but I imagine like other chemical removing filter media it has a saturation point where it will no longer be able to absorb Nitrate from the water and will need to be replaced before it starts leaking it back into the tank. Would be worth using though if you have really high Nitrate's.

The other thing to consider is getting some hardy live plants in there. Make sure you get ones that take nutrients from the water column rather then their roots in the substrate. My personal Favorite at the moment is Salvinia. It is a floating plant that grows really quickly and is excellent at absorbing nitrate from the water (along with ammonia and I think also nitrite).

 

[freded]

Depends on the actual level. How high is high?

So long as it is below 100ppm I wouldn't massively worry.

Its near 100ppm-its the darkest colour on the test kit.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

What is the Nitrate level in your Tap water? Larger water changes will normally help remove excess Nitrate too (unless your tap water nitrate levels are just as high).

 

[freded]

What is the Nitrate level in your Tap water? Larger water changes will normally help remove excess Nitrate too (unless your tap water nitrate levels are just as high).

Between 40-50

 

[andywg]

Just do 20-25% water changes once per week. I wouldn't massively worry about it.

CFC keeps stingrays in tap water that often hits 40ppm.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

What is the Nitrate level in your Tap water? Larger water changes will normally help remove excess Nitrate too (unless your tap water nitrate levels are just as high).

Between 40-50

Ouch! I think the only option then is a nitrate filter+some plants.

Edit: Or yes just do water changes and ignore it

 

[LakeyGal]

You could use Tetras' Nitrate Minus it does work well but as with any additive it would hide the problem rather than fix it properly. If you're worried about the levels being sky high it may buy you time to identify and remove the cause though.

 

[freded]

Would I see any benefit in getting some of this

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Seachem-De-Nitrate-1...oQQcmdZViewItem

and then getting this cheap internal filter to stick it in. My 2 external filters would appear to be too powerful for the Seachem stuff to work properly. I don't mind putting an internal filter in the tank if it will help.

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...p;rd=1&rd=1

Also, would getting some of the Jewel nitrate foams to stick in my external filters?

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Juwel-Aquarium-Nitra...oQQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for the advice

 

[LakeyGal]

I also love this stuff.
Polyfilter