Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate levels in a planted Tank

[Thekidcash]

72 gal Bow front tank with one Uruguayensis Sword Plant, 7 Anubias Nana, Italian Valisneria in the whole back length of the tank, 1 Moss Ball, Micro sword in the foreground. My Ammonia level was always zero, Nitrite zero, nitrate was about 10 ppm. About three weeks ago I brought some hornwort and let it float. Tested my nitrate level weekly. Last week it was about 5 ppm. Just tested today and it's at zero. My question is, is it OK to read all zero in a planted tank?

 

[IceH2O]

You don't want nitrates to hit 0.

Nitrates are the food of plants. When they run out so does the plants food and they begin to starve and die back.

For some reason I'm not sure of, not even sure this will be correct, the plants can't use other nutrients when the nitrates are gone. This in turn lets algae use them and run rampant.

Thats why when you read the Fert sticky you'll see we add KNO3 which is potassium nitrate. Of course you do this in moderation, even to high of a nitrate reading isn't good, unless you have no fish.

 

[grch36]

you know what, I have a similar problem. My tank has been cycling for almost a month now. I have stocked it with plants just over the past 3 days. I tested the water today and I have 0's across the board (Nitrate, Nitrite and Ammonia) and pH of 7.1 What is one way to increase Nitrate. I use the Seachem fertilizer and the SeaChem excel stuff. None of my plants have turned brown yet but I want to prevent this.

EDIT** I also have 3 cory's and 9 cardinal tetras, all 12 fish seem to be happy. My tank has yet to go through a ammonia spike. GH is at 5dH and KH is indicated 2dH.

 

[Captain Hook]

Nitrogen is the primary nutrient in plant growth (not including carbon). Nitrates are a form of nitrogen.

 

[pbecot01]

Seachem also has macro nutrients. Flourish Nitrogen would add nitrates when your plants are consuming more then your plants produce.

 

[grch36]

I just ordered the Flourish Nitrogen. I currently use Flourish Excel and just Flourish fert. Can I use all 3 of these additives together? sorry for the dumb question

 

[RTR]

Go to Seachem.com for the word direct from the horse's mouth.

I use Seachem Excel, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Iron, and Flourish but not necessarily all at the same time.

 

[jart]

I just ordered the Flourish Nitrogen. I currently use Flourish Excel and just Flourish fert. Can I use all 3 of these additives together? sorry for the dumb question

Certainly you may use them all together. Dry powder KNO3 is a lot cheaper in the long run, but the Seachem line has a good reputation and will work.

Watch your plants and consider testing for phosphate. I use Fleet enema for phosphate dosing, but you could also buy the powder from Greg Watson, or the Seachem product. Apparently green spot algae is a sign of deficiency.

 

[RTR]

Actually, you should be very careful about using the Seachem Phosphorous with other ferts, as it can precipitate out and leave a temporary haze in the water.

 

[jart]

Are you referring to the potential precipitation that can occur if you dose phosphate along with traces? I have never had this happen, but since I heard it is possible, I dose traces on days when i do not dose P.