5.0 nitrates

[Tyler777]

Is 5.0 nitrates really bad ? That's what I have in one of my tanks n I did a 50% water change yesterday. I don't get it

 

[Lcc86]

It could be from your tap water, try testing some to see.

 

[Rocky998]

If its nitrAtes, that's a perfect level and you're fine. 5-10 is a good number to keep those at.

If you're talking about nitrItes, that's really bad then

 

[Tyler777]

It could be from your tap water, try testing some to see.

Ok

 

[AJ356]

Nitrates don't concern me unless they are constantly over 40, but if you are lucky enough to have 0-5 in your tap water you can aim for much less than 40

 

[Tyler777]

Nitrates don't concern me unless they are constantly over 40, but if you are lucky enough to have 0-5 in your tap water you can aim for much less than 40

Thank you

 

[jaylach]

Nitrates don't concern me unless they are constantly over 40, but if you are lucky enough to have 0-5 in your tap water you can aim for much less than 40

In general I agree with this but there are exceptions such as Panda Garra where Nitrates at or above 20 PPM is quite likely to be fatal. It really all boils down to the species of fish but I'd be more than thrilled with a Nitrate level of 5.0 PPM for pretty much anything although some live plants may suffer but I doubt it.