Nitrates in Tank

Question
Hi Aaron, I have a question regarding my 50 gallon aquarium. Nitrate levels read about 40 ppm, which is a bit too high. I'm just not sure what could be causing these higher-than-normal readings. I change 20% of the water weekly, cleaning the gravel each time. My tank is not overstocked, just 10 Black Phantom Tetras and 10 Cardinal Tetras.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

Answer
Hello Michael,
Nitrates exist in every source of water no matter what. They are not as harmful as nitrite or ammonia, but long exposure to high readings can cause death. The average nitrate level in a established aquarium is under 50 ppm. So your readings are really not that high. While there is really nothing that can remove nitrate completely there are some things that can reduce it..


1.)Keep tank clean ( which it sounds like you are doing)
2.)Don't overfeed
3.)water changes
4.)live plants


If you notice number three.. You said your doing water changes every week, try a 25% twice a week. I used to do daily water changes in my discus tank because of this very reason. Some water just naturally contains high levels of nitrate, doing water changes helps reduce that a lot. I think your fine at 40 ppm, while kinda in the medium range it still is not bad. I have set up tanks for people with nitrate levels at 100 ppm and the fish were still alive.. its long exposure to high levels like that that is a warning flag..




I hope i have helped you in some way, feel free
to ask me anything.

                                                                               Thank you
                                                                       Aaron N. Brandstatter