subject: The Best Way To Reduce Nitrate In A Fish Tank [print this page] It is common for old aquariums to have high levels of nitrate especially if they are not maintained regularly or have water changes periodically done. These high nitrate levels need to be solved urgently as they will prove toxic to the fish and even increase the formation of algae.
The first effect of high nitrate levels can be seen in the plant life. Aquatic plants consume the nitrate in a fish tank but when the nitrate levels increase too much it will kill the plants as they cannot consume them fast enough. Then when these plants rot in the aquarium, they in turn release nitrate into the water, increasing the levels even more.
This is when it will start to affect the fish as well. The higher the level of nitrate in the tank water the less oxygen there will be. The lesser the oxygen levels, the harder the fish would have to struggle just to catch a breath of air and they will soon die.
Natural Ways To Reduce Nitrate
There are actually some very easy ways to keep nitrate levels in check in a fish tank which you can practice without having to buy any expensive equipment or chemicals. Here are five tips that will help you reduce the level of nitrate and maintain it at healthy levels:
1. Change the water each week. Throw out at least 20% of your aquarium water and top it up with new water at least once every week. Regular water changes not only reduces the level of nitrates but will also reduce the amount of fish waste which is the source of nitrate.
2. Test before topping. Get nitrate strips from your local pet store and test the new water before you put it into aquarium. These strips are very cheap and will help you test your water source for contamination. There might be a possibility that your water source is high in nitrate.
3. Add in a coral reef or two into a salt water aquarium. These are ideal in keeping a balance on the level of nitrate.
4. Don't have too many fish. Too much fish poop will shoot the nitrate levels to the ceiling.
5. Clean up the tank. Remove all dead or withered leaves and plants immediately before they have a chance to rot.
Items You Can Buy to Reduce Nitrate In Your Aquarium
If you really want to purchase equipment to reduce your nitrate levels, here are some choices for you.
1. Nitrate Absorbing Filter Media. These such as Purigen which you could purchase from That Fish Place are synthetic absorbents that controls ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates by removing waste that would otherwise release these harmful compounds.
2. Nitrate Cartridges. Certain filters such as Fluval G6 allows for removable nitrate cartridges that can quickly remove nitrate from fish tanks.
3. Protein Skimmers. Protein Skimmers make use of tiny bubbles to carry fish waste to the surface which can then be easily thrown away.
The most important thing to remember in keeping nitrate levels in check is to keep your tank clean and reduce the amount of waste and decay in the tank. Just doing this alone will ensure that you do not have to worry about the level of nitrate in your fish tank ever again.
