Bettakeeper86 Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 Hi, how often do you test what were the results of the last one? How old is the tank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bettakeeper86 Posted July 25, 2021 Author Share Posted July 25, 2021 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 What's your bio load (what fish/inhabitants)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bettakeeper86 Posted July 25, 2021 Author Share Posted July 25, 2021 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 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! 🙂 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick_G Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 I’d add some fertilizer like Easy Green. With that much light the plants will probably want a little more Nitrogen. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bettakeeper86 Posted July 25, 2021 Author Share Posted July 25, 2021 Should I cut the light down a few hrs, and see if it comes up a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick_G Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bettakeeper86 Posted July 25, 2021 Author Share Posted July 25, 2021 I just put in an order for easy green. What the best way to dose the tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick_G Posted July 25, 2021 Share Posted July 25, 2021 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. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichelleN Posted August 6, 2021 Share Posted August 6, 2021 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torrey Posted August 6, 2021 Share Posted August 6, 2021 @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. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick_G Posted August 6, 2021 Share Posted August 6, 2021 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 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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