What causes high nitrates?

[gmcdonald]

Hey dudes,

I was testing my water today as usual and noticed that the nitrate levels had gone up since I last tested. I know that this is not dangerous to the fish, and I do a 25% water change nearly every week. But I don't know what causes these levels to go up and down - does anyone else know?? The only thing that I have changed recently is 1 new plant yesterday. Wouldn't have thought that this would be the cause

 

[gadazobe]

Nitrate is the end product of the cycle. It stays in the water and can build up - that's one of the reasons that we do regular water changes - to keep the level down. Although not exactly dangerous to fish, constant high levels will stress the fish and then they are liable to get sick. Plants actually use the nitrate, so if you want to get your levels down and keep them down, get lots of plants. One other thing - have you tested the tap water? In some places the nitrate level in tap water can be quite high. Also, don't over feed your fish - excess food that isn't eaten will add to the nitrate level.

 

[gmcdonald]

Thanks for the advice - I'll do another water change and maybe feed them less too.

 

[Lithril]

How often do you do you feed your fish and how often have you been doing your water changes?

 

[joshua]

try testing ur tap water to see if it originally has high nitrate content to begin with.