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what should the nitrate level in my fresh water fish tank2007-11-24 23:42:26Answers:

If your tank is "working" then the levels will be below the usual testkits' sensitivity. What is acceptable? Less than 10-20 ppm. Most aquatic plants start needing a lot more light to be able to photosynthesize in high nitrates environment. Some plants (Water Hyacinth, Bacopa, duckweed) do well in high

nitrate environment

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Nitrates (not Nitrites) should stay around 20-40PPM once the tank has matured and been cycled for a while. If you do not have live plants in your aquarium - I would recommend doing some research and considering going that way (as plants will feed off of the Nitrate levels).

The Nitrates are the least dangerous of the Nitrogen cycle, but if in excess they can spur Algae blooms and even stress you fish out. Regular water changes should also be part of your routine by this point.

Here's a couple of sites to get you geeked up about aquatic plant keeping for your tank.

Plant Geek Dot Net

http://www.plantgeek.net

Planted Tank Dot Net

http://www.plantedtank.net

Best wishes and good luck!

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Nitrates harm different fish at different levels. 40ppm is generally regared as safe for almost all tropical fish.

Some fish types like Discus, Angel fish, and Oscars prefer to have it under 40pm or hole-in-the-head can occur. Gourami's, barbs, goldfish, and most bottom dwelling fishes such as loaches and eels prefer it under 60ppm. Some african cichlids and danio's can tolorate 140+ppm with no adverse affect. If is better you find out what type of fish you want to keep and know their tolerances and then try to maintain that environmental balance for them.