Nitrate Level

[love_da_ocean]

For my FOWLR I just tested the water and everything was perfect except my nitrate level. It was at 30. Is this ok or is this a serious problem?

Zach

[zhenya]

For my FOWLR I just tested the water and everything was perfect except my nitrate level. It was at 30. Is this ok or is this a serious problem?

Zach

Hi Zach,

Nitrate in itself is not toxic to fish at level of 30ppm but it is an indicator that perhaps it is time for a water change or time to re-evaluate your feeding regime/nutrient export scheme.
What size is your tank and what type of filtration you have set up in your system?
I think for a fish only tank if you could keep your NO3 levels at or bellow 20ppm it would be OK level to have.

In short term I would do a series of water changes and see if the levels drop and then just stay on top of it if this works.

[love_da_ocean]

Hi Zach,

Nitrate in itself is not toxic to fish at level of 30ppm but it is an indicator that perhaps it is time for a water change or time to re-evaluate your feeding regime/nutrient export scheme.
What size is your tank and what type of filtration you have set up in your system?
I think for a fish only tank if you could keep your NO3 levels at or bellow 20ppm it would be OK level to have.

In short term I would do a series of water changes and see if the levels drop and then just stay on top of it if this works.

Thanks
I have a 55gl. with a penguin330, Remora skimmer, undergravel filter, and 2 powerheads

[Reefland]

If you have that undergravel filter operating normally, it most definitely will become a problem for you trying to maintain a low nitrate level, if it hasn't already.

Scott Z.

[zhenya]

I agree with Scott 100% and would try to disconnect that part of your filtration and see if NO3 levels stabalize after a water change or two and then I'd try to take it completely out.I think your skimmer(wich is a good one I must add) and your live rock should be enough for your filtration.I would also look into the canister filter as well and see if that is a culprit.I'm assuming you are cleaning it regularly.

[tvan]

Remember,
Nitrates are the end resault of feeding fish(fish waste and decaying food). Top off water can have nitrates. You need to find a way to export nitrates... A refugium or clams, some corals that filter feed(feed on decaying fish food). Very few man made filtration devices deal with nitrates.
IMO
Tom