Is 40 ppm nitrate too high?

Nitrate levels from 0 – 40 ppm are generally safe for fish. Anything greater than 80 can be toxic.

What causes nitrate levels to rise in aquariums?

Detritus, decaying plant material, dirty filters, over-feeding, and overstocking the aquarium all contribute to increased levels of nitrate. Additionally, tap water used to fill the aquarium may contain nitrate in it. In the United States, drinking water may have nitrates as high as 40 parts per million (ppm).

Why did my nitrites spike?

When cycling a new tank. This is actually a big part of why you need to cycle your aquarium – to allow the bacteria that live in your biological filter, which break down nitrites, to grow. So if you are cycling a new tank, expect high levels of nitrites.

Do aquarium plants reduce nitrates?

One of the simplest and most natural ways to keep your nitrate levels under control is by adding plants to your aquarium. Plants that pull nutrients from the water column will pull nitrates from the water for nutrition, which boosts the growth of your plants and reduces your nitrate levels.

How long does a nitrate spike last?

After a water change, the nitrite spikes within 24 hours and then the nitrate will spike about 24-48 hours after that. However, the nitrite is still at extremely high levels even after the nitrate spikes.

What is considered a nitrite spike?

The ones that convert the nitrites to nitrates have slower reproduction rates and are much slower to get established, which can result in what is called a “nitrite spike” where you may have high levels of nitrites for a week to three before they start coming down because they are getting converted to nitrates.

How do you fix high nitrate levels in an aquarium?

What can we do to aid in the removal of nitrates from the aquarium?

1. Add live plants to a freshwater aquarium. Plants naturally utilize nitrate as a nutrient and food.
2. Reduce fish population or upgrade to bigger tank.
3. Cut back on feeding.
4. Use a nitrate remover such as ALGONE.