Nitrate levels dropped to zero

[Bettakeeper86]

My nitrate levels dropped to zero. I use API leaf zone. I have a 3 gallon tank, moderately planted. I’m new to planted tanks, and was told to keep my levels low, but I have also read that a certain level of nitrates are needed. Honestly I’m confused as to what I’m supposed to do.

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

Hi, how often do you test what were the results of the last one? How old is the tank?

[Bettakeeper86]

The tank is about 3 months old. Normally I run at 5 ppm. I test Wednesday and Saturday. My test was at 5 ppm nitrate on Wednesday. Today Ph at 7.8, KH at 4, GH at 5, nitrite at 0 ppm, ammonia at 0ppm, nitrate at 0 ppm. Temp at 80* I also give the tank 10 hrs light with a Finnex Stingray 12”. Some but little algae on the glass, no algae anywhere else. The plants I have are 3 anubias sp, 1 pot lilaeopsis, 1/2 pot alternanthera reineckii, and 1 pot pearl weed.

Edited July 25, 2021 by Bettakeeper86

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

What's your bio load (what fish/inhabitants)?

[Bettakeeper86]

1 adolescent Galaxy koi Plakat, and 1 adolescent rams horn snail, I feed frozen blood worms, frozen brine shrimp, live mosquito larvae, and pellets that I substitute when I’m out of when out of particular food.

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

Ah, I wouldn't worry about it, you don't have much of a bio load so it's understandable the nitrates are low. My 3 gallon tank with my betta, Nerite and a handful of bladder snails only tests at about 10ppm Nitrate. You may see a reading again next test. The plants would probably like more nitrate but that's what ferts are for! 🙂 

[Patrick_G]

I’d add some fertilizer like Easy Green. With that much light the plants will probably want a little more Nitrogen. 

[Bettakeeper86]

Should I cut the light down a few hrs, and see if it comes up a little.

[Patrick_G]

In theory I’d cut down the light period but if you’re only getting a little algae on the glass you might be ok. I’m running about eight hours a day on my 3 gallon. 
Unlike Leaf Zone, Easy Green has Nitrogen so adding some will help get your Nitrates up a bit. 

[Bettakeeper86]

I just put in an order for easy green. What the best way to dose the tank.

[Patrick_G]

On 7/24/2021 at 9:39 PM, Bettakeeper86 said:

I just put in an order for easy green. What the best way to dose the tank.

It’s a little difficult because the pump is calibrated for a ten gallon tank. It’s one ml per pump. For my three gallon I do about 1/8 teaspoon, I think it’s more or less 1/2ml. 

[MichelleN]

Excellent topic for me.  I have a 6.7 gallon with a single betta, a few cherry shrimp and a couple pond snails. Cycle completed June 13.  (no fish, seed gravel and media plus some Fritz starter). My nitrates had been running between 5 and 10 and in the last couple weeks also dropped to zero. Which is odd as right now nitrates are high from my tap. I guess the plants just took hold and I'd best start dosing too. 

[Torrey]

@Patrick_G I run several nano tanks and a few pico tanks.

Try putting enough fert for 10 gallons (1 squirt) in a gallon jug of water, and adding half a gallon at a time. 

 

I have found this to be the easiest, most effective, and most affordable method of dosing my tiniest tanks.

[Patrick_G]

On 8/6/2021 at 1:11 AM, Torrey said:

@Patrick_G I run several nano tanks and a few pico tanks.

Try putting enough fert for 10 gallons (1 squirt) in a gallon jug of water, and adding half a gallon at a time. 

 

I have found this to be the easiest, most effective, and most affordable method of dosing my tiniest tanks.

Valuable advice! Thanks