Nitrate levels

[CorallineAlgae]

Could 0ppm nitrate levels contribute to a bacterial bloom?

YES! Check out the info on this link and read the part about Blue Green Algae which is really cyanobacteria. It says to use the blackout method but I don't know anyone who had to do that. Water changes, increasing the flow in the tank, and dosing nitrate is all the firepower you usually need to slay this beast. If you have a different kind of bacteria bloom (not cyanobacteria) let me know, but almost all bacteria blooms hate good water flow. Keep us updated!

James' Planted Tank - Algae Guide

 

[aqua_chem]

When you say bacteria bloom, I assume you mean cloudy water and not BGA? Nitrates would not have been a contributor to cloudy water, but it darn well would for BGA.

 

[Philip99]

When you say bacteria bloom, I assume you mean cloudy water and not BGA? Nitrates would not have been a contributor to cloudy water, but it darn well would for BGA.

So I guess it's time to add some NO3