Nitrate is a little high

[Monroe10]

So just tested my water for the first time since it has been up(I know that's a no no) but all my levels are 0 and ph is 8.0, but my nitrate is at 5.0 any reason?

 

[Schism]

So just tested my water for the first time since it has been up(I know that's a no no) but all my levels are 0 and ph is 8.0, but my nitrate is at 5.0 any reason?

How old is the tank? But regardless nitrate normal, keeping it below 10ppm is usually the goal for most tanks, sps tanks maybe even cleaner. Nitrates are the end product of nitrification, fish waste and food will eventually breakdown into nitrates, to keep nitrates down this waste has to be removed before it gets to this stage which does not take long mere hours to start.

Waterchanges and skimming are main ways to keep up with nitrates. Macro algaes also provide a good help.

 

[Monroe10]

It is a newer tank 4 months maybe.... Thank you for the help!!!!