Nitrite, Ammonia And Nitrate Readings

[fiskkeeperpro]

i have just started a new tank, i would like to know the best levels for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. I have never kept fish before and i would like to know the acceptable levels before i buy the test kit.

 

[celaeno]

ideally, ammonia and nitrite should be zero, and nitrates can go up to 40 ppm.

however, i think fish can endure ammonia and nitrite up to 0.25 ppm each, although it is not recommended to keep them for a prolonged period of time with positive levels of ammonia and nitrite in the tank water.

 

[Nosnibor]

i have just started a new tank, i would like to know the best levels for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. I have never kept fish before and i would like to know the acceptable levels before i buy the test kit.

Hiya fiskkeeperpro,

Check out [post="958624"]this great post on fishless cycling[/post] it also has advice about levels etc.

Basically you need to get your ammonia and nitrite down to ZERO, then get your Nitrate as low as possible by doing a large partial water change.

Make sure you use dechlorinated water though

Good luck
Martin

 

[fiskkeeperpro]

thanks guys- really helpful. Tomorrow i will buy the water test kit i need.

 

[rdd1952]

As stated, the only acceptible level for ammonia and nitrite are zero. Anything else indicates a problem. Nitrate really isn't harmful until you get over 100 ppm but if you don't over stock and do weekly partial water changes (15 to 25 percent), you will never have nitrate levels over about 20 ppm unless it is present in your tap water which is sometimes the case.