constant nitrate level ... is this a problem?

[beattyr]

My tank has been up about a month and I have finished the cycle, but I can not seem to get Nitrates below 20ppm. It holds steady right at 20. I have a 37 gal tank with about 4" DSB and about 25 lbs of LR. Amm is 0.0 as is Nitrites. I have done several water changes of about 25% with RO water and still no change in Nitrate level. I am going to bring home some more RO water tonight and test it with the test kit to make sure it is accurate. Any other suggestions?
Rob

 

[bluemarlin]

Nitrates are not bad at 20ppm. Keep up the regular water changes and that will keep that at a minimal amount. Your ammonia and nitrites (Both much more toxic to fish) are at 0ppm so you are good to go. Add things slowly so the bacteria have a chance to keep up.

 

[twoods71]

I agree that nitrates at 20 ppm is not that bad. Trying to lower the level a bit is a good idea but no need to panic while doing so.
I think you have a good idea in testing fresh RO water for nitrates because it seems to me after several 25% water changes there should be a difference in the nitrate level.

 

[falcon63]

is this a fish only tank? if so you are fine. if you go reef you need totyr to getit down try kents nitrates sponge worked for me

 

[richard rendos]

Are you measuring nitrates before or after water change? If you do a 25% water change, the nitrates should be reduced by 25%. If they are 20ppm before water change, they should be 15ppm after. If the level is not changing, then I would suggest trying a different test kit.