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MarkM · 02-18-2013, 01:24 PM

I have my project started converting my fish only 50G tank to a low tech tank. I have about half of the plants that I plan in the tank now. I plan to add the other half over the course of the next two weeks. I am monitoring the three basic water params about twice weekly which is much more often than I am used to.

Ammonia and Nitrites have remained zero as expected. Nitrates are about ten an hour after a 40% water change and I do a water change when the Nitrate level raises above 20 and before it reaches 40. (the API test has 20 then 40 points/colors).

My question is- Should I expect that as the plants begin to thrive will I see my Nitrate level stabilize at some acceptable level?

02-18-2013, 01:24 PM	#1
MarkM Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 34	Low Tech Nitrate Level Expectation I have my project started converting my fish only 50G tank to a low tech tank. I have about half of the plants that I plan in the tank now. I plan to add the other half over the course of the next two weeks. I am monitoring the three basic water params about twice weekly which is much more often than I am used to. Ammonia and Nitrites have remained zero as expected. Nitrates are about ten an hour after a 40% water change and I do a water change when the Nitrate level raises above 20 and before it reaches 40. (the API test has 20 then 40 points/colors). My question is- Should I expect that as the plants begin to thrive will I see my Nitrate level stabilize at some acceptable level?