Nitrate level concern

[csoutherland]

Even tracking my nitrate levels the past 4 weeks in my 29 gallon tank. They have been 0-5, 5, 10-20, and now 20. Is this bad? And what can I do to fix it if so? And yes my tank is cycled

 

[bribo12]

Water changes keep nitrates down.

 

[carey]

Yep, you need to do regular water changes to keep nitrates at an acceptable level. Water changes with a decent quality salt mix not only lower nitrates but replenish elements that are used up in the tank.

 

[csoutherland]

Well my nitrates being where they are, is that good or bad?

 

[carey]

The more nitrates you have the worse it is. At 20 you need to do a decent size change. If you took out half the water you would be down to 10 nitrates. Do 25% and down to 15....
Once you hit 20 it starts to be bad so you are at that point now, if you dont do a water change those nitrates will skyrocket or so it will seem and it will take several large changes to get them down so the sooner the better as far as water change.
Is this a reef tank with coral or fish only? Any anemones?