I need some assistance...

[mhoup]

I have a 125 swim tank that has been set up for about 4 mo, I discovered my nitrate issue is not from over feeding but from my tap water. I tested the tap water and the nitrates are 40 ppm at the tap!! This is why i have about 20 ppm of nitrates al the time. i have not lost any fish over this, however, I do know that this can be potentially dangerous, in my tank now I have a cleaner wrasse, harlequin, tesselatta and a clarki. I do not use the store filtered water because the PH is way to low, I am looking for suggestions or should I leave the nitrates at 20 ppm? Will more live rock help reduce the nitrates? I also use a nitrate reducer and I would like to not use this chemical, would like a 'home remedie" of sorts.
Thanks for your input!!

 

[sprieto]

You still add detox items to the tap water right?
What do you use?
If your store filter water has Ph that is low, do you have a Ph buffer?

 

[mhoup]

Yes I do, I use Prime by seachem...do you know of anything else that works better, I just need something for Nitrates. I noticed that most of the detox chemicals are a "multi use" chemical, ie; chlorine, chloramine & ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are second nature...

 

[beth]

Install an quality RO/DI system. If the pH is low, then buffer the water.

 

[mhoup]

Is that better than what I currently do? I am just wondering, if it is equal than it may be more cost effective to do what I do :notsure:

 

[oreo12]

I thought the salt mix would bring the ph up when you mix it in the water my ph is fine I use the wallmart water.

 

[mhoup]

Beth, should I install the rodi just for my tank or for home use and use that water for changes?