Nitrates and plant-life

How much does a live plant change your nitrate buildups? Is it possible to see a change from the addition of just one small plant?

 

One small plant wouldn't remove too much nitrate, but it will consume some. Usually the benefits of nitrate eating plants aren't seen unless your tank is heavily planted

 

The faster it grows, the more impact it has. James is right, though. You generally can't throw in a plant and think, "there, I've got a handle on the nitrates."

 

well that's not exactly what I was thinking. I do appreciate the replies though.
I just got my nitrate kit today and tested at 40. I do water changes so I'm gonna check my water to see if there's nitrates in it. In the meantime I've got more water changes and I've got Prime. Just exploring my options.

 

well that's not exactly what I was thinking. I do appreciate the replies though.
I just got my nitrate kit today and tested at 40. I do water changes so I'm gonna check my water to see if there's nitrates in it. In the meantime I've got more water changes and I've got Prime. Just exploring my options.

Exploring your options is always a good thing. What's your routine water change schedule?

 

I'm at like - 20 to 33% every weekend. I'm trying to do whatever I can to avoid doing water changes during the week.
Of course I will do what's necessary to keep the fish healthy but if there's a way to avoid it then I will find that way.

 

You might want to test your source water for nitrates. A lot of times tap water can be the culprit.

 

Another option would be to increase the volume of water being changed. I suggest trying 50% weekly for a few weeks to see if the nitrates remain under 40PPM.

I agree that your tank would need to be heavily planted to reduce nitrates alone.

 

My tap water tested at 40 ppm. Seems ridiculous. Has anyone else had water that nitratey?

 

While my water doesn't have any nitrates or other nitrogen waste, it is not unheard of to have nitrates in tap water; more so in agricultural areas.

You will need to be very diligent in your water changes and may want to consider switching over to RO/DI water.

 

My best friend is a water boy and he's got water that tests at 5 ppm. Might need to start ordering. He gives me stuff anyways when a case gets damaged but it's not enough.

 

Using Amquel+ as your water conditioner will remove some of those nitrates. Also if you have to buy water, you could always do a 50-50 mix of purchased water and tap water treated with Amquel+.

One thing to note is that Amquel+ needs to be used along with NovAqua.

 

My tap water tested at 40 ppm. Seems ridiculous. Has anyone else had water that nitratey?

Oh yes my local water supply tests high in nitrates but at least I don't have any ammonia in my tap water. I have tried several products out there on the market that help some to remove nitrates but when you are combating high nitrates in the water supply they don’t help as much as I would like them too and some don’t seem to make a difference in the reading at all.

 

Your water would be perfect for a heavily planted tank. There are many simple easy to care for plants out there.

Once you start buying water it can get expensive as you have to keep on buying.


carol

 

Your water would be perfect for a heavily planted tank. There are many simple easy to care for plants out there.

Once you start buying water it can get expensive as you have to keep on buying.


carol

I second what Butterfly has to say about buying water. There is no way I could keep 18 tanks from 10 gallon to 125 gallon if I had to buy bottled water.