kimkromann
Member
My father has a 55 reef with the most luscious plants, xenia, mushrooms, zoos, and bubble algae. His tank has so much purple in it, it is disgusting. He has half a dozen fish, and an anemone that all seem to be thriving very well. He does not add any nutrients, rarely changes his water, etc. I checked his water levels about 3 months ago and his tank was so high in nitrates I had to test again to be sure I hadn't made a mistake. (I use the same tester with mine and get 0 nitrates) I had him do several water changes over a week or two, only to get the same results. So, not knowing what else to do I tested his water from the sink - which is what he uses to make his own salt water. And Yep! High nitrates. He uses a well and I guess the wells in his area are all high in nitrates. I sure wouldn't want to drink his water!
Anyways, can anyone tell me is this normal? I mean for his tank to be so healthy after months of extremely high nitrates?