Root tabs causing nitrate spike?

[ThatGuyWithTheFish]

I'm having a bit of a nitrate problem. It's now at 40ppm. I was wondering if root tabs could be behind this. I know they have water soluble nitrates, and I've noticed one or two being exposed. Will that cause nitrate levels to go up? How can I fix and avoid this?

[steven p]

Bury the tabs deeper and/or use a finer grade substrate.

[happi]

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=122085

[BBradbury]

Originally Posted by ThatGuyWithTheFish

I'm having a bit of a nitrate problem. It's now at 40ppm. I was wondering if root tabs could be behind this. I know they have water soluble nitrates, and I've noticed one or two being exposed. Will that cause nitrate levels to go up? How can I fix and avoid this?

Hello That...

Nitrates at that level will give your fish a bit of a headache, but nothing worse. Unfortunately, there's no bacteria that uses nitrates, but large, frequent water changes will keep them to a minimum.

I change out half the water in my tanks weekly, and that takes care of the high nitrate problem and balances the water.

If your plants are currently doing well, and you're concerned about the water chemistry, just fertilize a little less often for a couple of weeks and see how the plants do. Maybe the plants do well with a little less and your fish will have cleaner water.

Just a thought.

B

[xenxes]

Throw in some larger floaters in the meantime to clear out the water, or do water changes.