any water experts out there? I have a 50 gal. freshwater aquarium and I live in an agricultural area in California, so the nitrates that enter the ground water and that are present in our well water are high. They are even higher at this time of year because there has been a drought and new rain has not washed away the ferts in the ground, so I can only assume it will get worse as the growing season progresses...Please understand that the nitrates are NOT high due to a dirty, filthy, or overstocked tank. So my planted tank is clean and beautiful, all the plants are thriving, and because of the high nitrates, I only have 2 mollies, who are so completely happy and healthy and colored beautifully..I have added some pics so you can see what I mean...here are the water parameters:
ammonia 0
nitrites 0
ph 8.2 (yes, its hard)
nitrates 80
Because of the nitrate problem, I have planted heavily and have not stocked any fish, except the two mollies who were grandfathered in, ha ha. NOW, I WANT TO STOCK MY TANK...
So here's the question folks: Is there a difference in nitrates that come in with the well water, versus a dirty filthy tank that is producing its own nitrates from within? because, the tank is sparkling clean and is probably producing close to 0 nitrates on its own. I know I can do RO, but I am just wondering if there is a difference since my fish are so happy.???
ammonia 0
nitrites 0
ph 8.2 (yes, its hard)
nitrates 80
Because of the nitrate problem, I have planted heavily and have not stocked any fish, except the two mollies who were grandfathered in, ha ha. NOW, I WANT TO STOCK MY TANK...
So here's the question folks: Is there a difference in nitrates that come in with the well water, versus a dirty filthy tank that is producing its own nitrates from within? because, the tank is sparkling clean and is probably producing close to 0 nitrates on its own. I know I can do RO, but I am just wondering if there is a difference since my fish are so happy.???