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10-09-2006, 08:18 AM | #1 |
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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:
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
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. |
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