Nitrate! Help!

[andrew22]

Hey Guys,

Just did a NITRATE test on my tank, got a reading of about 5ppm... should i be worried? if this needs urgent attention what do i do??
FYI: 60L tank containg around 12 platties and 4 mollies and 2 bristle nose cats!!!!

Thanks!!!!

 

[rabbut]

Ok, nitrAte, not nitrIte right? If it is nitrAte, there is nothing to worry about. NitrAte can get as high as 400ppm by conservative studies, on most species, without caursing issues. NitrIte on the other hand would be a serious problem, warrenting an immediate large (as much as you can manage) waterchange to bring it down, followed by an investigation into why it is high...

What are your other readings?
NitrAte or nitrIte at 5?
How long has the tank been running?
What test kit do you use?

All the best
Rabbut