Shocking Nitrate Readings

[aquariumfishguy]

Since moving last month, I haven't tested for Nitrates. Last night, I tested and got a rather impressive reading of between 10-12 ppm. Is this normal? I have been keeping fish for over 20 years and have always had a hard time getting readings such as this!

Also, I tested my tap water at this new place and got 0 ppm. Is this a normal occurance?

-Cory

 

[brianfl]

That is a good reading. Is your tank planted? You should get 0ppm out of your tap water. How heavy is your stocking? Mine generally runs about 20ppm on most of my tanks.

 

[aquariumfishguy]

Thats the thing! I have all my tanks just about fully stocked. I certainly wouldn't overstock but they are far from understocked too.

And most people have nitrates in their water, thats why they say to keep nitrates under 40 ppm because most will get a reading of 5-10 ppm out of their tap before it every reaches the tank...at least if you give in the city.

-Cory

 

[aquariumfishguy]

Oh, and yes, some of my tanks are planted while others are not. I have about 18 that are up and running so it spent much of the day testing.

-Cory

 

[brianfl]

A lot of testing Actually, there are nitrates in some municipalities water, but they are usually rather low (3ppm or less). As a general rule, it shouldn't be substantial. I suppose there are some where they are rather high. I have had a lot of 0 readings out of tap water in different locations, so I would guess it is pretty normal.

 

[aquariumfishguy]

Yes, I where I lived before had 4 ppm so it wasn't TOO bad but I love having this softer water that has 0 trace of nitrates, is sooo nice!

-Cory