How to add Nitrates

[doreenjoy]

I have a wicked BBA problem caused by 0 nitrates. How do I add nitrates without increasing stocking?

Someone mentioned an article called "how to add nitrates" but I can't find it in the Articles Corner.

[IceH2O]

BBA isn't caused by low nitrates.

Its caused by low CO2 if high light and fluctuating CO2 levels in low light setups.

BGA is caused by low nitrates. If its BGA you have the best way to add nitrates is to visit http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/ferts.html and order some ferts. Nirates won't be the only thing you want as by adding them you'll need to also add other ferts to keep balance.

[Riiz]

Seachem's Excel is excellent at removing BBA, plus your plants will love the Carbon source.

And to add the other macro ferts, checkout www.aquariumfertilizer.com , a 1lb. bag of KNO3 (potassium nitrate) and KH2SO4 (potassium phosphate) will run about $14 shipped. That should easy take care of the big three for a year+.

[doreenjoy]

I'm already using Excel, have been for over six months, and I still have a BBA algae problem. The nitrates in the tank are 0.

I've done a lot of research on this and the recommended solution is to get the nitrates over 0. I've tried other solutions.

[doreenjoy]

And to add the other macro ferts, checkout www.aquariumfertilizer.com (http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com) , a 1lb. bag of KNO3 (potassium nitrate) and KH2SO4 (potassium phosphate) will run about $14 shipped. That should easy take care of the big three for a year+.

Thanks I'll check that out.

[Fordtrannyman]

BBA isn't caused by low nitrates.

BBA is a form of Red Algae and typically is set on by C02 fluctuation.
It appears more so in a tank with bottoming out N03 levels.

Red algae forms are tough to eradicate. Best treatment for affected plants is a bleach dip and lightly rub the affected area if possible.

[Riiz]

BBA is a form of Red Algae and typically is set on by C02 fluctuation.
It appears more so in a tank with bottoming out N03 levels.

Red algae forms are tough to eradicate. Best treatment for affected plants is a bleach dip and lightly rub the affected area if possible.

I've only seen BBA appear in my tanks when the CO2 is lacking, despite 10-15ppm nitrate levels.

[Fordtrannyman]

BBA is a form of Red Algae and typically is set on by C02 fluctuation. It appears more so in a tank with bottoming out N03 levels.
I've only seen BBA appear in my tanks when the CO2 is lacking, despite 10-15ppm nitrate levels.

10-15ppm is still a decent range.
Bottoming out N03 levels = less than 1.0mg/l

[Fordtrannyman]

How do I add nitrates without increasing stocking?

Best resolve IMO; Acquire some KNO3 from here (http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/ferts.html), here (http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/aquarium-fertilizer.html) or here (http://groups.msn.com/LyreTailsAquarium/plantsandfertilizersforsale.msnw).
They will all come with mixing and dosing instructions.
I find it easier to measure out dry and mix in DI water.
Then dose using a 40ml syringe.

I mix 5.5 level tsp. of KNO3 into 250ml DI water and shake aggressively
Dosing - Each 1 ml of this solution will raise nitrate in 10 US gal by 1 mg/l.
Target for Nitrate = 20 mg/l - so use 10 ml for every ten gal of water. If you add 5 mg/l of nitrate your tank you will also raise potassium level by 3 mg/l ( or 6 mg/l if you dose 10 mg/l of nitrate).

[maxthedog123]

My nitrates are at 20 right now. Ever since I replaced the bulbs in my light fixture a couple of months BBA has been a huge problem. I've tried adding in some nitrates but I haven't yet tried Excel.

Is a nitrate level of 20 too high?

[phanmc]

20ppm of nitrate isn't too high.

I also recommend buying some CSM+B for the micro nutrients from aquariumfertilizers.com, plants need that as well.

[Riiz]

Or Seachem's Flourish

[maxthedog123]

I do have Flourish but I don't dose it that often. Perhaps I should.

[Riiz]

My nitrates are at 20 right now. Ever since I replaced the bulbs in my light fixture a couple of months BBA has been a huge problem. I've tried adding in some nitrates but I haven't yet tried Excel.

Is a nitrate level of 20 too high?

Do you inject CO2? Light levels might be too high.

[maxthedog123]

I was doing the high tech thing and got tired of trimming plants 2x/week. I quit the CO2 about 4-5 months ago. My lights are 108w (1x 6700K and 1x 10000k) over 55g.

I did move my flag fish to another aquarium about 8 weeks ago and I lost one of my 2 otos, so maybe that is a contributing factor as well.

I've been slower on water changes as well to avoid taking nitrates way down and to avoid swings in CO2 levels.

I've been thinking about paring way back on my Ludwigia in favor of letting the H. polysperma take over. One hand they can take up a lot of nitrate, on the other hand the BBA never seems to get much of a hold on the H. polysperma.