Tank With possible high nitrate?

[AllyTK]

Hi guys and gals was wondering if anyone was able to help. Basically my tank has been cycled for about a year or so but today when I checked with my api kit( not strips btw) I had 0 ammonia 0 nitrite but my nitrate was sitting between 40 and 80 on the card. It has never really been this high even when I first cycled it, highest it reached was around 20-40 mark. I only have my axie in the tank (about year old give or take a few months ) bare bottom tank ,same 2 hides I have had since I cycled tank originally and a fluval filter also had this since beginning. I do weekly 20% water change and daily spot cleans of any waste food. I changed the filters foam a week ago but only 1 side (has 2 per side. A carbon and foam. I only ever change 1 at a time leaving 2 weeks between as not to upset balance of tank ) changing this has never given problems in the past. Sorry for the long post but I just wanted to cover everything. If there is any more info needed just give me a shout. Oh yeah is this normal ppm for nitrate (nearly forgot to ask question there haha). Any help will be appreciated thanks in advance. Allytk

 

[blackdog]

Nitrates are not as bad 9although still toxic in high doses) as amm & nitrite

You want to aim for <40, but up to 80 for short periods is not the end of the world, it's just time to do a water change.

If you are doing regular changes and the axies are not showing signs of stress then you are fine.

Do you have live plants? plants will use the nitrates and help keep them down. So will algae. Some dont like algae in the tank 'cos it's ugly, i dont care, i think the hides with some alage on it looks "right" in a tank.

So, perhaps put some live plants in, let the algae grow (the right snail will munch some alage and keep the algae lawns trimmed, so will cherry shrimp), and perhaps test anf change a little more often until you feel you have it undercontrol.

It might be your guys have grown a little? Putting out more waste, therefore more 'end product" of the cycle is being produced?

Either way, i dont think you have a real issue as such, just something to be aware and in control of.

bren

I'd just monitor it

 

[AllyTK]

Thanks for the reply. I am going to be adding black sand substrate and some plats soon so hope this will help

 

[Azhael]

It´s nice to see someone that doesn´t mind, and even likes algae too xDD.

Just increase the water changes frequency (not the % though, it´s best to change 20% max) for a while, and make sure that you clean up uneaten foods and feces. The suggestion to add more live plants is certainly good, specially fast growing species.