Do Nitrates harm fish?

[fishyperson3010]

Hi
How Do nitrates harm fish?
Thanks

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Yes, they do if in high enough concentrations. Anything over 20-40ppm starts to become toxic.

 

[fishyperson3010]

Yes, they do if in high enough concentrations. Anything over 20-40ppm starts to become toxic.

Thanks but what happens to the fish and how can I lower the nitrates in my tank I have done 2 large water changes and barely any difference

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Thanks but what happens to the fish and how can I lower the nitrates in my tank I have done 2 large water changes and barely any difference

The can get sick basically. They are more prone to disease because the high nitrates put stress on them lowing there immune system.
What are your nitrates? They could be off the chart meaning more then one large water change will be needed to bring them into the readable range.

 

[Cynic]

Thanks but what happens to the fish and how can I lower the nitrates in my tank I have done 2 large water changes and barely any difference

Bigger water changes, i.e. 50% or bigger

Feed less or less often

Make sure you're not overstocked

 

[fishyperson3010]

Ok done another 2 85% water changes and still barely any change

 

[ejaramillo01]

Ok done another 2 85% water changes and still barely any change

What exactly do you mean, How high are they? How are you measuring?

 

[fishyperson3010]

What exactly do you mean, How high are they? How are you measuring?

About 80 using api test kit

 

[ejaramillo01]

About 80 using api test kit

Have you read your tap water? Maybe are coming in the fresh water.

 

[Talvari]

are you mixing the second nitrate bottle really well? Sometimes you need to literally bang it against something to ensure it is mixed properly, otherwise you results will be skewed

 

[ejaramillo01]

are you mixing the second nitrate bottle really well? Sometimes you need to literally bang it against something to ensure it is mixed properly, otherwise you results will be skewed

Agree, follow closely the directions in the box, if not the results are inaccurate.

 

[fishyperson3010]

are you mixing the second nitrate bottle really well? Sometimes you need to literally bang it against something to ensure it is mixed properly, otherwise you results will be skewed

Yes shaking and banging it

 

[jlk]

Def check your tap water! Whatever it reads will be the lowest you will be able to get tank levels.

 

[fishyperson3010]

Def check your tap water! Whatever it reads will be the lowest you will be able to get tank levels.

Ok it says about 60 ( between 40 and 80)

 

[jlk]

Well, your options are to add alot of fast-growing plants to absorb nitrates & to stay on top of your water changes to keep the nitrates as low as your tap level. Water conditioners such as Prime or Amquel Plus help to detox nitrates as well. There are nitrate-absorbing filter media but i dont know if they are actually work as claimed or not. A third option would be to cut your tap with RO water or get an under-sink RO/DI filtration system but this is also the most expensive option.

 

[jetajockey]

Different species of fish have different tolerances to nitrate levels. The general consensus is to keep them below 20 to keep the fish safe.

 

[Bubble_B0y]

apparently HIGH nitrates slows healing and growth of fish.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

apparently HIGH nitrates slows healing and growth of fish.

I agree. I have witnessed it firsthand.

 

[chagoi]

Date on test bottle?

 

[fishyperson3010]

Date on test bottle?

I don't understand