Hi Peeps

I came home from work last Friday afer my usual two weeks away (the good lady feeds them whilst I'm at work but doesn't carry out any other tank maintenance) checked the water perameters and everything was fine. Well I say fine, but I'm a, bit confused about the nitrate thing. The amonia and nitrite levels were 0 and pH 6.8 (BTW, there's 1 x 2" fantail and 3 x 3" common in a 40 imperial gallon tank). I changed approximately 20% of the water (treated, but straight from the tap) as everyone keeps saying. Now I've just checked the perameters again and the levels are the same as the last time.

So what I'm asking is, will there be nitrates in that tank, and how important is it to make sure the level is below a certain level, and how dangerous can a high nitrate level be to my fishies . I've got an API test kit, which unfortunately doesn't include a test for nitrates.

My son (10 years old) will pay for bringing home that bloody fish from the fair.

Cheers

Geoff

Higher nitrate levels are normal in a tank. Usually they are below 60. You can reduce them through water changes or by putting plants into your tank. Its great that the ammonia and nitrite levels are zero. It means your tank is cycled!

Nitrates usually become dangerous when above 100, but water changes will help control this.

Cheers!

It is generally best to keep nitrates below 20 as long term exposure to high levels can cause health problems. This is easily done in an adequately stocked tank (10 gallons per fish) with regular weekly 30% water changes, a gravel vac and no overfeeding. If they start creeping up then you need to cut back on feeding very slightly or increase maintenace.

Hi

So, do I really need to test for nitrates as the other permaters ar ok? I'm off up to Edinburgh tomorrow (to retrieve my mutt from my daughter) which is the nearest decent place to get fish stuff. So is it recommended that I buy a test kit for nitrates?

An orange wiggly thing in a baggy half full of water. That boy will pay