Zero Nitrates: Healthy?

[tackful]

Nitrates have always been 0 in my 1 1/2 year old, heavily planted tank. A LFS advised me to add a nitrate supplement for the good of my plants. Is this generally advisable, and if so, what would I use? Thanks

[tanker]

Nitrates at zero is not good for a planted tank. There are many sourses for nitrates. LFS sells Kent, ect. You can always go dry ferts too.

[Hurley]

Nitrates are just another nutrient your plants will use. Are you seeing any nutrient deficiencies in your plants? What about algae problems? How many watts per gallon are you running and do you use co2 at all? Also, what kinds of plants are you growing?

Without knowing the answers to above I can say if Nitrates are kept within acceptable levels (I'd say between 10-15ppm) your plants will probably benefit. But more information would help provide you with an answer acceptable for your tank.

[Cory Keeper]

www.rexgrigg.com has all kinds of dry ferts for dirt cheap.

But to answer your question, verify that your doing your test right. If your test kit is at least somewhat accurate, add some Potassium Nitrate ASAP. You should be noticing yellowing leaves if you have a lack of nitrate.

[tackful]

Nitrates are just another nutrient your plants will use. Are you seeing any nutrient deficiencies in your plants? What about algae problems? How many watts per gallon are you running and do you use co2 at all? Also, what kinds of plants are you growing?

Without knowing the answers to above I can say if Nitrates are kept within acceptable levels (I'd say between 10-15ppm) your plants will probably benefit. But more information would help provide you with an answer acceptable for your tank.
i have a 55 watt Bright Kit on for 10 hrs a day. Along with DIY C02, I dose all three macros, plus Iron, Excel, and traces. There is a large buildup of mulm, which I just leave there (no gravel vaccuuming). Also do a weekly 1/3 water change. Plants are Wysteria, Parrots Feather, Jave Fern, Dwarf Hairgrass, and Rotala Macandra, all of which seem to be doing well, with no signs of yellowing. If its relevant, also have very low KH and ph: 1 and 6.0.

[jmhart]

I recommend reading through Rex's site. He says it well, and it means I don't have to type it.

[Riiz]

i have a 55 watt Bright Kit on for 10 hrs a day. Along with DIY C02, I dose all three macros, plus Iron, Excel, and traces. There is a large buildup of mulm, which I just leave there (no gravel vaccuuming). Also do a weekly 1/3 water change. Plants are Wysteria, Parrots Feather, Jave Fern, Dwarf Hairgrass, and Rotala Macandra, all of which seem to be doing well, with no signs of yellowing. If its relevant, also have very low KH and ph: 1 and 6.0.

If you dose the macros, either your not dosing enough or your nitrate test kit is defective. I'd suggest making a known sample of 10ppm nitrate and testing your kit, if its good, then move onto increasing your nitrate addition.

[Mgamer20o0]

have to agree with riiz. if your using the liquid its prob just need to add more. i would read up on dry ferts. you can even make your own liquid ferts with them.

[livingword26]

If you have a planted tank that's been up for a year and a half, and your not having any problems, don't mess with it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[noodles62]

I recommend reading through Rex's site. He says it well, and it means I don't have to type it.

Just read it! What a great site and boy am I doing everything wrong! :lipssealedsmilie:

[jmhart]

If you have a planted tank that's been up for a year and a half, and your not having any problems, don't mess with it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.



"Problems" aren't always obvious. The plant's may not be dying, but they may not be thriving either. In that case, the problem isn't evident to the untrained eye.

[tackful]

I will try to find a local source of N03 to bump up the nitrates. I haven't had a non-zero reading since the tank was cycled.