Question: Nitrates (NO3-) too high.

[kerosseno]

Hello everyone.

I've been experiencing trouble lowering my nitrate levels (between 40ppm and 80ppm at the moment, my API masters kit is not very clear). Ammonia and nitrites are fine, but I can't manage to control the nitrates.

I have live plants and I do water changes once per week, I also try not to feed them too much. My substrate is sand.

I know nitrates are not as harmful as the other parameters, but it really grinds my gears!!

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[Kaysie]

Do more frequent water changes, or add more plants.

 

[kerosseno]

I'll do so, thanks : )

 

[Kaysie]

Also, those levels are a little high, but not alarmingly so. An extra couple of plants or an additional water change, maybe a little smaller than normal, should get you back into good ranges.

 

[Star]

Mine is always the same. Check your tap water levels. Mine is 20ppm so every time I do a water change my nitrate will rise! It is very annoying!

 

[kerosseno]

Mine is always the same. Check your tap water levels. Mine is 20ppm so every time I do a water change my nitrate will rise! It is very annoying!

Spot on!

I just checked my tap water levels and the same happens to me... I guess getting more plants will be the only solution,

Thank you both again

 

[Star]

nps glad you know what it is now! Seachem make something to pop into a filter, think it is about £10 for a little bag, not sure if it is amphib safe or not as I haven't checked what is in it.