How to lower my nitrate readings?

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rnb62679

Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Joined
Sep 29, 2011
Messages
40
Location
California
Hi there just wondering what is the best way to keep nitrate levels low? I have a 50gal tank with fish and live rocks. I am not sure what the ideal level should be but I tested it today and it is at 40ppm.
 
Water changes are simplest and least expensive. If you are having an ongoing problem I would consider my experience with my 29 gal FOWLR. I was reading slightly elevated nitrate levels consistantly and cut my feedings to once a day. The levels now are 0.00 consistantly and the fish still seem happy and well fed they just graze more.
 
Yes I will definitely change the water since it is time, and I will continue to check and if its still high i will cut down on the food to once a day as now I am feeding them twice a day. Thanks!
 
I didn't know 0.0 nitrAte levels were possible.

My well water hovers around 30.

Are you talking about nitrAtes or nitrItes?
 
I didn't know 0.0 nitrAte levels were possible.

My well water hovers around 30.

Are you talking about nitrAtes or nitrItes?

Nitrates: Well I guess I should have said my AP test kit cannot detect the levels the vast majority of the time in my tank. I imagine not being an expert that some nitrate is present just not detectible. The only time I have detected nitrate levels my test kit can read is after the initial stocking of this tank and during its cycle.

My apologies if I was misleading.
 
Thank you, my nitrate level was at 40 so hopefully with a water change it drops a bit, I was told not to do anything at the moment as the water change will bring it down to where it will be ok.
 
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