Consistently High Nitrate Level

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keiranm

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Keiran McManus
My situation is;

1 Axie.
60cm x 40 cm x 30cm tank
1 live plant (half in the water half out)

The nitrate level is consistently 60-80ppm
PH is usually 7.0 - 7.4
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0

Water temp is currently a bout 20.4 C in winter it gets to 15 C.

Axolotl does not look or behave stressed.

Is a nitrate level like this a problem?
 
I don't think so, I think 0-80 is acceptable. It is nitrite and ammonia that are the worries.
 
How long has your tank been established/setup and how often do you waterchange? Ideal nitrates are below 60ppm. You may have to resort to regular partial waterchanges, more regular than weekly, as this will help with the high nitrates.

Just as a matter of interest test your tapwater as you might also have nitrates in your tapwater.
 
hi,
what depth is your water?
what sort of filter do you have?
what substrate do you use?
i only ask these things because, if you keep your axie in shallow water the good bacteria [nitrate] reading will be higher than normal.
this will increase also with the different floor cover as well, the bacteria grows on the surfaces of thinks in the tank.
i.e ; bare floor 1 flat surface, gravel/stones many surface areas to cover.
then ther is your fiter which will also house bacteria [if you use one]
alll these things add up.
its just a thoght that one or all of these things can cause increased readings.
 
The tank has been established for about 2 years.

Water depth is about 30 cms. Waterfall filter, with ceramic bio things for bacteria.
Black silicon fake sand, with some of the old smaller gravel still mixed in. Silk plants, big hollow hiding rock, lots of surfaces for bacteria to grow on. Small bubbling air stone.

Water changes are happening about once every two weeks, about a quarter to a third of the tank volume.

I will test the tap water, hadn't thought of that.
 
To lower your nitrate you'll have to step up your waterchanges, frequent partial waterchanges (20-30%) every few days, rather than a fortnight change. Don't do large waterchanges as this won't rectify the problem and may cause your tank to cycle or go through a minicycle.
 
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