"Naturally Occuring" Nitrates in Water

[SinkyShippy]

I have a 20 gallon tank. I do weekly water changes of about 4.5 gallons. I've noticed that even after I do a water change, the nitrates in my water are in between 5ppm to 10ppm. Is it possible that this level of nitrates is natural in the water and doing weekly water changes isn't going to change that?

 

[KIRBLIT]

Have you tested the new water before you add it with the waterchange? This could confirm your suspicions.

 

[BadFish619]

5 ppm isn't bad, depends on what's in ur tank. Fish only 10 ppm isn't bad either

 

[SinkyShippy]

5 ppm isn't bad, depends on what's in ur tank. Fish only 10 ppm isn't bad either

Snails, hermits, and fish. Eventually coral.

 

[BadFish619]

Ya that's not bad, I definitely wouldn't worry about it. Mine are constantly at 10 to 20 and I'm not worried, everything is fine

 

[BadFish619]

Its near impossible to rid tank of nitrate, as long as nitrite is 0 you're ok. Your tank will always have a nitrate reading

 

[SinkyShippy]

Its near impossible to rid tank of nitrate, as long as nitrite is 0 you're ok. Your tank will always have a nitrate reading

Ammonia and nitrites are zero. Weekly water changes are just getting old lol. I've been doing it just cause of the nitrates but if it's naturally occurring then what can I do? Nothing really.

 

[BadFish619]

Do 8 gallons every 2 or 3 weeks. Weekly is too often. I do mine every 2 to 4 weeks

 

[Brew12]

My nitrates are normally between 20ppm and 30ppm

 

[SinkyShippy]

My nitrates are normally between 20ppm and 30ppm

Real nice tank [emoji846]