I have a 55 gal freshwater community tank that has been set up for about a year now. I am using a Fluval 303(?) filter system with carbon, sponge and media for my filtration. My ph has been about 7.4 consitantly with no ammonia or Nitrites but my Nitrates have been through the roof constantly no matter how many water changes I do. Even if I do a 70% water change, my Nitrates are around 40 PPM.
I know that nitrates are the useable form of Nitrogen for plants and algae, so with lots of light, I figured I'd have some serious algae problems, but I have seen very little. As a matter of fact, I'm can't seem to grow live plants either (that is another problem that I'm not even messing with here). Is something going on with my tank so that I can't get rid of my Nitrates or is this common? Any thoughts?
I know that nitrates are the useable form of Nitrogen for plants and algae, so with lots of light, I figured I'd have some serious algae problems, but I have seen very little. As a matter of fact, I'm can't seem to grow live plants either (that is another problem that I'm not even messing with here). Is something going on with my tank so that I can't get rid of my Nitrates or is this common? Any thoughts?