Nitrate levels for snails and plants?

I have a 20-gallon freshwater with mystery snails, java fern, anubias nana, and jungle vals. My plants were just added a couple weeks ago. I started using Aquarium Coop Easy Green because my last "try" with jungle vals did not go well, and some gave me advice to try the Easy Green instead of Excel. The Easy Green raises nitrates, and shortly after my second dose, they rose to 40 ppm. I did a 50% water change yesterday.

My question is, what is a good level of nitrate for healthy plants but also healthy snails? I've read some comments that say anything over 20% is too high, and others that they wouldn't worry about it because it is good for the plants. So...I am confused. Any advice of maintaining nitrate levels would be great!

 

First off Excel is not a fertilizer. And Vals do not like it much. Thats probably why you had issues.

You could get some plants that will suck up some Nitrates. Like floaters or Porthos roots in the water.

If you change enough water weekly to keep your test in the orange you are fine. That red-orange to red you want to change more water. All in ones do seem to raise your nitrate some.

 

First off Excel is not a fertilizer. And Vals do not like it much. Thats probably why you had issues.

You could get some plants that will suck up some Nitrates. Like floaters or Porthos roots in the water.

If you change enough water weekly to keep your test in the orange you are fine. That red-orange to red you want to change more water. All in ones do seem to raise your nitrate some.

Wow, yeah. Sometimes all the new info runs together. I'm just learning. The jungle vals already look better using the Easy Green. But, I can't seem to find what works best for the java fern and anubias.

You are the third expert that has said to add some floaters or porthos, so I'll look into that.

First off Excel is not a fertilizer. And Vals do not like it much. Thats probably why you had issues.

You could get some plants that will suck up some Nitrates. Like floaters or Porthos roots in the water.

If you change enough water weekly to keep your test in the orange you are fine. That red-orange to red you want to change more water. All in ones do seem to raise your nitrate some.

Okay, that's great! Yes, I'm using the API master test kit, so I'll be on the lookout for anything more than an orange.

 

40 ppm won't hurt the plants or shrimp. Twice that much probably wouldn't.

 

Java ferns and anubias grow suuuuper slow. They don't need tons. The easy green will be fine.

 

Java ferns and anubias grow suuuuper slow. They don't need tons. The easy green will be fine.

Okay. Awesome.