Nitrates help

[IslandLifeReef]

So if zero is perfect, what is acceptable. In other words am i ok with my numbers.

Any nitrate reading below 10 is fine. If the tank looks good and nitrates stay stable, I wouldn't change anything. Chasing numbers is futile. Look for ranges and the overall appearance, health, and stability of your tank. The numbers only help to identify the cause of problems should they occur IMO.

 

[Lasse]

I´m one of the moderate nitrate guys - I accept 10 ppm without another thought in a coral aquarium but want 2-5 ppm. In an only fish aquarium - its no discussion in levels lower than 100 ppm - it does not matter - nitrate is not toxic for fish at all.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Lousybreed]

I find it interesting that no one recommended a cheato farm with a very powerful light. (LED or HPS). Your nitrates would come down with a properly designed fuge. No chemicals or crazy water changes needed.

 

[milkman754]

I find it interesting that no one recommended a cheato farm with a very powerful light. (LED or HPS). Your nitrates would come down with a properly designed fuge. No chemicals or crazy water changes needed.

That was in my original statement. I have a nice fuge going loaded with cheato and caulerpa.

 

[ChrisOFL]

So if zero is perfect, what is acceptable. In other words am i ok with my numbers.

You wouldn't really want to have zero either but in reality there is no perfect number. Some people say under 5, under 10, under 20 but nitrates vary so much from tank to tank I don't think anyone can set a specific number for success. Mine are always between 10-20 and it's never caused an issue for me with corals. Phosphate is another number that is highly debatable, mine naturally tests at 0.00 but many claim it needs to be around 0.03 for better success.

 

[Lousybreed]

That was in my original statement. I have a nice fuge going loaded with cheato and caulerpa.

If you have a nice fuge, you wouldn’t have over 5ppm Nitirates. It must be undersized. Or the lighting isn’t correct. How big is it and what are you lighting it with.

 

[milkman754]

If you have a nice fuge, you wouldn’t have over 5ppm Nitirates. It must be undersized. Or the lighting isn’t correct. How big is it and what are you lighting it with.

If? I’ll repeat myself for you again. I said i was using the test wrong and now have a more accurate reading of between .025 and .050 .

 

[Lousybreed]

Thanks for repeating it again. Glad you have your test kit figured out. I know that can be confusing at first. Sounds like it’s working great!