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Aroboy II · 10-09-2006, 08:18 AM

NITRATES are usually ignored by fish keepers compared with ammonia and nitrite. Even though nitrates are not so lethal in the way ammonia or nitrites are, over time high levels of nitrate do have a negative effect on our fish.

High Nitrates That Affects on Fish are:

Fish are prone to disease and will suffer inability to reproduce in extreme cases.
Fries and young fish will be affected in their growth.
Oxygen levels in the tank will be very much decreased which stress the fish.
Contribute undesirable algae growth

Nitrates Come From?

Nitrates are a by-product of nitrite conjunction during the latter stages of the nitrogen cycle, and will be present in some degree in all aquariums. Detritus, decaying plant material, dirty filters, over-feeding, and over-stocking the tank, all contribute to increased production of nitrates.

Water used to fill the aquarium often has nitrates in it. In Singapore, drinking water may have nitrates as high as 15 ppm. Before adding water to your tank test, it for nitrates so you know if the levels are unusually high in your water source.

Desired Level

In nature nitrates remain very low, generally well below 5 ppm. In freshwater aquariums nitrates should be kept below 50 pm at all times, preferably below 25 ppm. If you are breeding fish, or are battling algae growth, keep nitrates below 10 ppm.

How to Reduce Nitrates

Keep the tank clean – Waste ultimately produces nitrates. Cleaner tanks produce fewer nitrates in the first place.
Don’t overfeed the fish – Overfeeding is a significant contributor to excess nitrates and other undesirable wastes, such as phosphates.
Water changes – Performing regular water changes with water that has little or no nitrates will lower the overall nitrate level in the tank. RO/DI water is an excellent choice for keeping nitrate levels low.
Keep live plants – Have plenty of live plants utilize nitrates, and will help keep nitrates in check.

Use nitrogen removing filter media – Instead of an expensive denitrator or special filter, use special media in the filter you have. Although they will not lower nitrates dramatically, if used together with other methods the net result will be beneficial.

Personally, I believe nothing beats water changes.

10-09-2006, 08:18 AM	#1
Aroboy II AFC Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 15,946	Importance of Nitrates NITRATES are usually ignored by fish keepers compared with ammonia and nitrite. Even though nitrates are not so lethal in the way ammonia or nitrites are, over time high levels of nitrate do have a negative effect on our fish. High Nitrates That Affects on Fish are: Fish are prone to disease and will suffer inability to reproduce in extreme cases. Fries and young fish will be affected in their growth. Oxygen levels in the tank will be very much decreased which stress the fish. Contribute undesirable algae growth Nitrates Come From? Nitrates are a by-product of nitrite conjunction during the latter stages of the nitrogen cycle, and will be present in some degree in all aquariums. Detritus, decaying plant material, dirty filters, over-feeding, and over-stocking the tank, all contribute to increased production of nitrates. Water used to fill the aquarium often has nitrates in it. In Singapore, drinking water may have nitrates as high as 15 ppm. Before adding water to your tank test, it for nitrates so you know if the levels are unusually high in your water source. Desired Level In nature nitrates remain very low, generally well below 5 ppm. In freshwater aquariums nitrates should be kept below 50 pm at all times, preferably below 25 ppm. If you are breeding fish, or are battling algae growth, keep nitrates below 10 ppm. How to Reduce Nitrates Keep the tank clean – Waste ultimately produces nitrates. Cleaner tanks produce fewer nitrates in the first place. Don’t overfeed the fish – Overfeeding is a significant contributor to excess nitrates and other undesirable wastes, such as phosphates. Water changes – Performing regular water changes with water that has little or no nitrates will lower the overall nitrate level in the tank. RO/DI water is an excellent choice for keeping nitrate levels low. Keep live plants – Have plenty of live plants utilize nitrates, and will help keep nitrates in check. Use nitrogen removing filter media – Instead of an expensive denitrator or special filter, use special media in the filter you have. Although they will not lower nitrates dramatically, if used together with other methods the net result will be beneficial. Personally, I believe nothing beats water changes.