Nitrates have always been 0 in my 1 1/2 year old, heavily planted tank. A LFS advised me to add a nitrate supplement for the good of my plants. Is this generally advisable, and if so, what would I use? Thanks
i have a 55 watt Bright Kit on for 10 hrs a day. Along with DIY C02, I dose all three macros, plus Iron, Excel, and traces. There is a large buildup of mulm, which I just leave there (no gravel vaccuuming). Also do a weekly 1/3 water change. Plants are Wysteria, Parrots Feather, Jave Fern, Dwarf Hairgrass, and Rotala Macandra, all of which seem to be doing well, with no signs of yellowing. If its relevant, also have very low KH and ph: 1 and 6.0.Nitrates are just another nutrient your plants will use. Are you seeing any nutrient deficiencies in your plants? What about algae problems? How many watts per gallon are you running and do you use co2 at all? Also, what kinds of plants are you growing?
Without knowing the answers to above I can say if Nitrates are kept within acceptable levels (I'd say between 10-15ppm) your plants will probably benefit. But more information would help provide you with an answer acceptable for your tank.
If you dose the macros, either your not dosing enough or your nitrate test kit is defective. I'd suggest making a known sample of 10ppm nitrate and testing your kit, if its good, then move onto increasing your nitrate addition.i have a 55 watt Bright Kit on for 10 hrs a day. Along with DIY C02, I dose all three macros, plus Iron, Excel, and traces. There is a large buildup of mulm, which I just leave there (no gravel vaccuuming). Also do a weekly 1/3 water change. Plants are Wysteria, Parrots Feather, Jave Fern, Dwarf Hairgrass, and Rotala Macandra, all of which seem to be doing well, with no signs of yellowing. If its relevant, also have very low KH and ph: 1 and 6.0.
Just read it! What a great site and boy am I doing everything wrong! :lipssealedsmilie:I recommend reading through Rex's site. He says it well, and it means I don't have to type it.