high nitrate level (20mg/L)

[cckk_l]

hi guys,

I have problem with my nitrate level recently, it shoot up to 20mg/L. I heard that NH3 might cause nitrate to go up, but my test result show 0mg/L of NH3 in my tank. Can't understand why nitrate still not going down.... Pls give me some advices, thks

my tank parameters:

NH3 = 0mg/L

NO3 = 20mg/L

pH = 8.2

dKH = 143ppm

temp = 27.5 degree C

density = 1.021

[RockyBoy]

After cycling, your nitrite should be zero. The end product is still nitrate. Not easy to get rid off unless u do water change using DI water or have nitrate exporter such as cheato to reduce the nitrate level or you can use chemical nitrate absorber available in the LFS. Also reduce the feeding as uneaten food will convert to nitrate as well as fish poo.

[cckk_l]

thks... for your advice

actualy i try to change 20% of my tank water with tap water that has been tested, although not 0ppm nitrate but only 5mg/L nitrate, the result still not satisfy. nitrate level after few days still maintain at 20mg/L......too bad

[jervismun]

Actually 20mg/L is not yet crisis... control feeding, if you are not feeding pellets, perhaps this is the right time. How old is your tank btw?

All the best!

[cckk_l]

my tank is about 2 months old....

[mansiz]

You might have over crowded your tank, because NH3 is constantly producing, and BB convert them to NO3 via NO2, and the producing of NO3 is some fast that your weekly water change might not be sufficient. Why not add some plants in an undisturbed area? Or you can try more expensive equipment like denitrator, or probably invest in a more efficient skimmer (needle wheel type).