0 Nitrate Obsession

[teetee]

Seems that everyone is striving for a zero nitrate level. Although a zero level would be ideal, there is always bound to be some nitrate, unless you are starving your fish (I am refering to a fish only set- up).
So here is my question. Is a nitrate level of 30-40, too high for a FO set-up? What would be the highest acceptable level? At one forum someone mentioned that a reading of 100 ppm would be tollerated by most hardy fish. Are we being obsessed with trying to strive for that zero level?

 

[mr . salty]

I believe that a zero reading in a fish only tank is next to impossible to maintain.My nitrates are around 15ppm,and that is as low as I can get them.I would agree that most healthy fish could survive 100ppm,but it would not be an ideal situation for them.I think 60-80ppm would be max.30ppm would be acceptable.But of corse,the lower the better.

 

[c marlowe]

High nitrates can cause poor appetite, insipid coloration, fin rot, etc. A tank that has achieved a good balance will be able to export nutrients faster than they are imported. Nitrates are a good indicator of general tank performance and IMO we should shoot for 5 or less at all times. BTW yes some fish are not as effected as others.

 

[goofieones]

Mine have never been above 10ppm. And I don't know how that is done, I always expect them to go higher but they never do.

 

[@knight]

Mine have never been above 10ppm
huh, I wish I was so lucky.

 

[perps]

Mine are off the charts right now and all my feather dusters are dying.. I'm, chaning water once a week to keep them around the 50 mark

 

[bobber]

Nitrates also contribute to algal blooms which none of us like. Even when using RO water, high nitrates could cause green slime, and other undesirables(algal or otherwise). IMO, yes you should be striving for a lower level of nitrates. Besides, that is what water changes are for-to dilute any nitrates and replenish trace elements. Just my thoughts--Bob

 

[tjswanson]

You guys are gonna hate to hear this, but I have 0 nitrates in my FO. Yeah it's a little understocked now, but a denitrator works wonders. Did a DIY project for only 60$. And w/ water changes every other week or two. TJ

 

[playtime]

my nitrates stay at 0 also. except a few weeks ago. Do you remember, my nitrates were 80-160 and I did water changes daily until it went down only to shoot back up the next day. In case you hadn't heard, my test kit was bad. I replaced it and nitrates are 0 once again. The red on the 160 is really pretty but for this and this only, I prefer yellow! LOL!!! I don't think most people obsess about keeping it at 0 as much as I do but I am a perfectionist and can't help it. My tanks are doing great and I don't mind the extra work it takes me to keep them with good levels, and it works for me. I think it is a personal choice. nough said. LOL!!!
playtime

 

[jimi]

I dont think striving for zero nitrates is an obsession, keeping healthy livestock is the idea. High nitrates are not healthy for anything. 30 in my opinion is too high. 0-15 should be attainable if your tank is not overstocked or overfed.

 

[jimi]

As far as fish surviving in high nitrates they are doing just that surviving not thriving.

 

[teetee]

Thanks for all your input. Interesting to see what level of nitrate the various tanks have & go through. It would seem that 10-15 ppm is the going rate. I am striving for that number myself. Yes jimi, we are in the hobby so that fish could thrive & not just survive. Thanks for the reminder, TT.