High nitrates in tap water

[Nottingham]

All of my water comes from a well, and when I tested it straight out the tap I got a reading of 20 ppm for nitrates! (I still treat it with Prime and blackwater extract though before it goes into my tanks) As a result, although my tanks are cycled I still get really high nitrate readings. Are there any other methods to lower nitrates besides live plants (got 'em) and water changes (every 2 or 3 days already)? I have a 10G, a 5G, a 2G and I'm going to be setting up a 12G probably within the next couple of months.

Thanks for the help

 

[12 Volt Man]

there is a rechargable nitrate absorber called nitrazorb that we used to have at my old work.

not sure makes it, but I imagine you could keep something like that in your filter (it came in a pouch) and recharge it weekly.

that is what I used to recommend to our customers that had the same problem.

 

[jm1212]

you can try making a nitrate reactor.

 

[Star_Rider]

20 ppm nitrates from your tap probably won't have a detrimental effect on your fish..
I have the same thing in my tap..I raise discus and they aren't suffering for it.

remember nitrates are a barometer many aquariast use to help measure TDS(total dissolved solids)..which is what we are really trying to remove from the tanks.
20 ppm nitrates..planted tanks we add nitrates to keep the nitrates at this level.

 

[nipped-out]

Purchase a Reverse Osmosis filtration unit for your tap, then add the necessary minerals with products like Equilibrium from Seachem. It's important to create a consistent parameter so your tanks don't swing.

 

[musho3210]

Purchase a Reverse Osmosis filtration unit for your tap, then add the necessary minerals with products like Equilibrium from Seachem. It's important to create a consistent parameter so your tanks don't swing.

thats not needed unless he/she is planning on breeding or raising fish that need virtually no nitrate. A nitrate level of 20 ppm is fine.

 

[nipped-out]

thats not needed unless he/she is planning on breeding or raising fish that need virtually no nitrate. A nitrate level of 20 ppm is fine.

I agree, however, 20 ppm right out of the tap does not provide much margin for water change intervals. Any little waste build-up will cause excess nitrate, requiring a water change. Furthermore, any additions of sensitive fish will not be happy in such tank. In my opinion, 20 ppm is the "cut-off," if you will.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I agree, however, 20 ppm right out of the tap does not provide much margin for water change intervals. Any little waste build-up will cause excess nitrate, requiring a water change. Furthermore, any additions of sensitive fish will not be happy in such tank. In my opinion, 20 ppm is the "cut-off," if you will.

I agree. If your tap water has 20 mg/L nitrate, it won't be difficult to reach 40 mg/L nitrate in the aquarium with all the fish in it, even with regular water changes.

sensitive species like rams might have trouble in with this sort of level.

 

[nickmcmechan]

Or even more simply, lots and lots and lots of plants would enjoy the nitrates and eat them up?

Which plants are best for this? Any pics?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

fast growing plants like guppy grass and hornwort. there are other fast growing plants like java moss.