Nitrate Levels

[richiestang_78]

So my one of my 30gal tanks is having a nitrate issue. Ammonia and Nitrites are 0ppm but Nitrate dont seem to want to drop below 40, there usually slightly above it. I do 3 PWC a week all using a gravel vac so I doubt its rotting food or poop. What else could be causing high nitrates?

 

[SerLunchbox]

it is possible that you could be testing during mid-cycle.

Are you finding that this is happening quite often or just this one time. I, myself, once had this happen. Tested 2 hours later and everything was back to 0.

How cycled or mature is your tank?

 

[richiestang_78]

Well the tank has been set up for a while now, probably a year or so and it is cycled. I did just add a new filter not so long ago though.

 

[SerLunchbox]

adding a new filter will cause a mini cycle in your system, especially if you don't reuse filter media or if you don't run the filter with your old filter running while it gets its bacterial colonies up.

That could be the reason for your distress.

 

[richiestang_78]

Yeah, I switched from a Whipser to a AquaClear.