Just tested my Nirtates, Nitrites and Amonia all at 0(zero) except my nitrates still kidna high. Does anyone know how long itll be untill it reaches 0 (keep in mind this is a new tank) (i am over anticipated about adding stuff in!!) Would i be able to add some fish or corals if the nitrates are high and everything else is at 0
Nitrates
- Thread starter aaronlp
- Start date
truebeliever71
Premium Member
While nitrates are not as toxic as ammonia and nitrites, it's still toxic. How long has the tank been running? How are you cycling it?
This hobby needs patience. While there's ways to hurry things a long (a little bit) you can't rush it too fast.
This hobby needs patience. While there's ways to hurry things a long (a little bit) you can't rush it too fast.
mr86mister
Saltaholic
You will probably always read some nitrates. I recommend anything under 5 is ok to keep the tank at, though I have seen many times nitrates get up to 10-15. I know the tank is new for you, do a good water change make sure everything is up to par and slowly start adding. Fine tune everything before you start filling it up with the good stuff.
Neither nitrite(NO2) nor nitrate(NO3) are toxic to marine fish unless you into the 100s ppm.Most corals don't mid them either if they are under 20ppm. Some corals do well at even higher nitrate.
The presence of nitrate indicates nitrification ( the elimination of ammonia and nitrite) is in process. Denitifying bacteria( that reduce nitrate to N2 ,nitrogen gas) may take a bit longer to develop.
When the tank reads 0 ammonia it is safe. However, waiting and extra week or two is a good practice on the side of caution. Adding some food to your tank to hlep the biofilter grow large enough to handle it and maintain 0 ammonia is also a good way to prepare it for live stock.
The presence of nitrate indicates nitrification ( the elimination of ammonia and nitrite) is in process. Denitifying bacteria( that reduce nitrate to N2 ,nitrogen gas) may take a bit longer to develop.
When the tank reads 0 ammonia it is safe. However, waiting and extra week or two is a good practice on the side of caution. Adding some food to your tank to hlep the biofilter grow large enough to handle it and maintain 0 ammonia is also a good way to prepare it for live stock.
iamwrasseman
New member
+1 on toms opinion !
alanbates12
New member
Also agree with Tom. Just a side note. When you do add fish don't make the mistake I made by overfeeding. Follow Tom's advice and good luck...
