Shocking Nitrate Readings

[aquariumfishguy]

Since moving last month, I haven't tested for Nitrates. Last night, I tested and got a rather impressive reading of between 10-12 ppm. Is this normal? I have been keeping fish for over 20 years and have always had a hard time getting readings such as this! :eek:

Also, I tested my tap water at this new place and got 0 ppm. Is this a normal occurance?

-Cory

[brianfl]

That is a good reading. Is your tank planted? You should get 0ppm out of your tap water. How heavy is your stocking? Mine generally runs about 20ppm on most of my tanks.

[aquariumfishguy]

Thats the thing! I have all my tanks just about fully stocked. I certainly wouldn't overstock but they are far from understocked too. :eek:

And most people have nitrates in their water, thats why they say to keep nitrates under 40 ppm because most will get a reading of 5-10 ppm out of their tap before it every reaches the tank...at least if you give in the city. ;)

-Cory

[aquariumfishguy]

Oh, and yes, some of my tanks are planted while others are not. I have about 18 that are up and running so it spent much of the day testing. :)

-Cory

[brianfl]

A lot of testing :) Actually, there are nitrates in some municipalities water, but they are usually rather low (3ppm or less). As a general rule, it shouldn't be substantial. I suppose there are some where they are rather high. I have had a lot of 0 readings out of tap water in different locations, so I would guess it is pretty normal.

[aquariumfishguy]

Yes, I where I lived before had 4 ppm so it wasn't TOO bad but I love having this softer water that has 0 trace of nitrates, is sooo nice! :)

-Cory