water hardness & nitrate help please!

[itvilcu]

On the average, I change out ATLEAST 20% of my big tank, per week (sometimes I go as much as 50% at a time). For the last few months now, I have been battling with the NO3 and water hardness. Test results:

ph: 7.5
alkalinity: 180
hardness: 500
NO2: .5
NO3: 200

I have read somewhere that live plants DO cut down the nitrate, but I dont have any of them as of yet (ordered some, but they havent come yet).

What I am wondering, if there is anyway to reduce the hardness (other then buying a water softner) and the nitrate?? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[tmtpowers]

WOW!!! You need to be doing a lot of water changes to bring those nitrates down a bit! What is you ammonia reading? Are you using test strips or liquid? If you are using strips, go get the liquid test kits and then give us your readings. Those strips can be off a bit.

 

[itvilcu]

notrate and water hardness

WOW!!! You need to be doing a lot of water changes to bring those nitrates down a bit! What is you ammonia reading? Are you using test strips or liquid? If you are using strips, go get the liquid test kits and then give us your readings. Those strips can be off a bit.

Ok, guess I have to redo the tests, with LIQUID then!!! I have always used the strips, didnt even know there was such a thing as liquid!

 

[daveedka]

Unfortunately The test strips are still sold, They are about as reliable as light bulbs from a yard sale!!!1


The liquid test kits are a little harder to use, but They tend to be accurate enough and consistant enough for what we need as hobbyists.
Test you tap and tank both, because if you do have high nitrates they may be comong from your tap.

Dave