Nitrate Problem for Molly

[gmanova]

I am new to this hobby! I have a 48 G. planted aquarium with 9 mollies and 6 tetras. My nitrate level is 80 ppm. I heard 20 and under is the target. Trouble is my tap water to start is 40 ppm. Even with a 50% WC, ppm level would hit 60ppm and another would get me to 50 ppm, hardly not near the recommended 20 ppm. I feed the fish once per day with a consumption time of 2 minutes.

1. Can some kind soul recommend a solution as to what I can do?

2. What nitrate (ppm) level is the danger zone for my fish?

3. Does using a dechlorination solution help any?

 

[jlk]

How heavily is the tank planted? Depending on the type of water conditioner your using, some do help to bind nitrates. I believe Prime does as well as Amquel Plus. As your tap is on the high side for nitrate levels (not dangerous, just higher than ideal), I would consider doing more frequent, big water changes to keep your nitrate levels as low as possible. Yes, this will mean more work than someone with tap water with zero nitrates but as your starting at 40, your nitrate levels will climb fairly quickly. A second consideration, if you have the budget to spend on fish, would be to consider getting an under-sink type of RO unit to remove everything from your tap (you have to add back minerals such as Replenish). In respect to a 'dangerous' level of nitrates, this is a bit debatible- some sources say 60ppm others say closer to 100ppm but more sensitive fish will be affected by these levels before more tolerant species.

 

[gmanova]

I have 2 small Java Ferns and 2 small Anubias Nana's. I use API water conditioner. Does Nitra-Zorb work. I did a test yesterday using 1/2 gallon jug of 40ppm nitrate tap water and add 1 ml of the API to it. The Nitrate reading this morning of that test liquid read 0 ppm. Make any since to you? My thinking is to make a number of these jugs and then do a 50% WC.

 

[LyndaB]

You may get false readings if you do them prior to 24 hours after using a dechlorinator.

I would do tons of water changes. Even if your tap reads 40, there's no reason you should have another 40 in the tank to equal your 80.

 

[gmanova]

I will do a 50% WC today which should get me to 60ppm, then another tomorrow to get me to 50ppm and one more on Sunday to get me to about 45 ppm and hope it stays low.

My tap water goes through a H2O softener in my basement. Would using water upstream of the softener be of any help?

 

[jlk]

I am not familiar with the API product but I did a quick search on it- it detoxes chlorine/chloramines/ammonia but it does not mention nitrates. I would consider switching to Prime or Amquel Plus which both help with nitrates. Do search on here for some fast-growing, easy plants that are good for absorbing nitrates (such as wisteria, hornwort, duckweed, etc). You can consider adding the nitrasorb to your filter but it will need to be replaced on regular basis.

 

[NewFish1]

I am not familiar with the API product but I did a quick search on it- it detoxes chlorine/chloramines/ammonia but it does not mention nitrates. I would consider switching to Prime or Amquel Plus which both help with nitrates. Do search on here for some fast-growing, easy plants that are good for absorbing nitrates (such as wisteria, hornwort, duckweed, etc). You can consider adding the nitrasorb to your filter but it will need to be replaced on regular basis.

I, too, WAS having very high Nitrates. I've tried just about everything to get them down but with no luck. On the recommendation of a local fish shop (in business for over 35 years) I tried Nitra-Zorb and I'm glad I did. My Nitrates dropped from 80+ ppm to 40 in 24- hours and to Less than 10 ppm in 3 days. I am 100% sold on the product. I also use Prime with every water change adding the proper amount for my 28 gallon tank not just for the water change total. my tap water is also high in Nitrates but an RO system isn't in the budget right now.