Ok so here is what happened. I started a fishless cycle of my freshwater tank. Weeks into it, the pure ammonia I added began to dissipate. My nitrite and nitrate were still measuring zero. Whenever the ammonia level became almost nothing, I added more and brought it back up to 2-4ppm. This went on for over a week and still my nitrite and nitrate levels were reading zero. On the advice of a helpful chatter here, I shook nitrate test bottle #2 vigorously and retested. Turns out, I missed that in the test kit directions. So sure enough after shaking the bottle then testing, it finally showed the presence of nitrate. The level was through the roof, crazy off the chart high. So I did a 99.9% water change, and the nitrate level dropped to a measurable 20-40ppm. So I did another 99.9% water change and still I’m getting a reading of 20-40ppm of nitrate. I thought a total water change would bring the nitrates down to zero. So my question is where is the nitrate coming from? Also, if I shut down tank and just let it sit for a few weeks, will the nitrate die/go away? If not, I assume I need to completely empty the tank, toss the filter media, rinse everything well, and totally start over? Thanks for the help.
Did 2 total 100% Water changes and still high nitrate
- Thread starter newbietanker
- Start date
I assume you're using the API master test kit? Not only is shaking nitrate test bottle 2 vigorously for 30sec required, you also must shake the completed test-tube for one minute, then let it rest for 5min for an accurate read. I know it got me in the beginning too. Probably the most commonly messed-up test.
I had issues with nitrites going so high that the nitrite test would go purple, then blue. Took lots of water changes to bring that down to a readable scale.
One more ~50% WC and your nitrates should be fine. Even at 20-40ppm, you're good to go with a fishless cycle.
steph, good call on testing your tap water for nitrates. You might have them right out of the tap. Hopefully not. YUCK.
I had issues with nitrites going so high that the nitrite test would go purple, then blue. Took lots of water changes to bring that down to a readable scale.
One more ~50% WC and your nitrates should be fine. Even at 20-40ppm, you're good to go with a fishless cycle.
steph, good call on testing your tap water for nitrates. You might have them right out of the tap. Hopefully not. YUCK.
I get upto 50ppm straight from the tap..... My tank has lower nitrates than my water now due to the plants using it up.
Is it not possible if you have not been doing the tests correctly that all the rest of the tests from that kit will be incorrect also? The make up of the % left will be different to intended.
Tony
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Thanks for the replies. I tested the water I use, which is Poland Spring water from the supermarket. It’s measuring 3-4ppm nitrate. I also brought a sample of my water to the pet store and their results are the same as mine. 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite, and 20-40ppm Nitrate. So my original questions remain. Where is the additional nitrate coming from if not from the water itself? Has my fishless tank somehow become a nitrate factory? If I shut down tank and just let it sit for a few weeks, will the nitrate die/go away? If not, I assume I need to completely empty the tank, toss the filter media, rinse everything well, and totally start over? Thanks for the help.
If you have changed out all your water, I am not sure where the nitrate is coming from. If you are not adding ammonia, then you should not have high nitrate. Nitrate will not just go away. Plants can use up nitrate, but that is about the only way to get rid of it. Ammonia turns to nitrite which turns to nitrate which is lowered through water changes. After all your water changes, I would think your nitrate would be lower. But 20-40, while not ideal is acceptable for fish. higher than 40 however, is not. lower than 20 is best.
Emily
Emily
Thanks. I have no substrate and no plants. A couple of fake plants and some power heads for circulation is all that's in there.
Did you ever see nitrites in this tank? No nitrites means you don't have any (or enough) beneficial bacteria formed yet.
Like I say, when I fishless cycled by adding household ammonia, my nitrites went SO high, that they eventually read a false 0ppm. You can tell this if the API nitrite test instantly goes dark purple, then fades to light blue over the required 5min wait time. That would be my guess of your situation.
For me, when the nitrites when over-range high, the cycle stalled and would not produce nitrates. A few water changes were required to get it back in balance.
*EDIT*.. You have no substrate in this tank, nor any sponge media for beneficial bacteria to grow on?? That's going to be one tough tank to cycle.
Like I say, when I fishless cycled by adding household ammonia, my nitrites went SO high, that they eventually read a false 0ppm. You can tell this if the API nitrite test instantly goes dark purple, then fades to light blue over the required 5min wait time. That would be my guess of your situation.
For me, when the nitrites when over-range high, the cycle stalled and would not produce nitrates. A few water changes were required to get it back in balance.
*EDIT*.. You have no substrate in this tank, nor any sponge media for beneficial bacteria to grow on?? That's going to be one tough tank to cycle.