woolley90

hia ive noticed that my nitrate level is 25mg/l constant even after water changes is this safe if not wat can i do bout it ? im using tap water for water changes

locoyo386

Well do you keep corals, that might be to high. First thing you can do is switch to RO as I suspect your tap water probably has a level of around 20 mg/l. If that does not help there are other ways of reducing them. Adding a skimmer can help, turf filter will help reduce them.

Nate41590

i have the same problem, but my water doesnt have nitrates

locoyo386

Not sure what you mean?

Nate41590

i was talking about my tap water as mentioned above. in my tank i have a problem with nitrates tho.

locoyo386

You are using tap water, and the tap water does not have nitrates but you do have nitrates in the tank.

Annadvn

I would switch to using RO/DI water and do twice weekly water changes until the Nitrates are under 5ppm.
Adding some macro algae like Cheato will help in removing the nitrates as well from the water as it soaks up the nitrates to grow. If you have a sump area or refrigum that would be the ideal place to have the macro algae growing. Once you get a big thick mat you can remove some of the algae making space for more to grow (sharing with other SW keepers is a great way of adding more copods/bristle stars etc.. to the tank via the algae and spreading diversity).

Anna

ibiaquariums

Try a algae scrubber, de-nitrate stones (www.aqauticstoyoudoor.com) or a UV Sterilizer.

Im also from england and use tap water... my salties are just fine! I do about a 50% water change every week to/or week and a half, i also boil the water then add dechlorinator first before letting it stand over night. I then re-warm it too 25deg, turn on my small filter then add my salt & mix mix mix!
My pH has never droped below 8.10 or gone higher then 8.26... i use a PH electonic pen for accurate readings, definatly invest in one. well worth it, makes it so quick and can test so freaquently. whenever you like.

I believe boiling has an effect on the PH, to some extent, but not too sure.
My tanks been running 4 months, did a fishless but live rock cycle, now has 2 hitc-hiker crabs, one raised from tiny and a turbo snail i added 2 weeks ago... thursday ill be adding much more!

I use a home made DIY algae scrubber, their very simple to make, you can find instructions on this site. A UV sterilizer is very smililar in what it does... they both control your nitrates and prosphate levels and other bacteria i believe. Nitrates i would say are my biggest problem, but arnt really a problem these days. Watch out for "copper" too.... i tested my "tap water" (tank water) it was 0... CLEARER then my fish store which showed copper!!!! Their nitrates were BLOOD red aslo on the colour charts lol.. my turbos probably allot happier now haha!

I also have beneficial algea... 'calaurpa' think i spelt it wrong but a prof will know what i mean.. sinse these extras were added... my nitrates have been 0 or 5!

I dont use a protein skimmer.. as iveheard it steals much required neutrients & minerals from the water that coral reefs may need. Not that i have coral reefs yet but in time i shall.

Well hope that helps, even if its in the slightest!

ps: where abouts in england are you from?!