Nitrates

[Tiffers27]

I’m finding conflicting information in my planted tank journey so I’m curious what planted tank owners have to say. What should nitrates be at in a moderately planted tank? I’ve heard “keep at 5-10ppm no matter what” and I’ve heard “anywhere from 20-50ppm.” Which is it!? Mine hover around 10-20 mostly, maybe slightly higher if I’ve just added ferts or root tabs. My tank is…I’m not sure, I guess lightly to moderately planted?

[HH Morant]

Your tank looks great.

I have a lot of plants in planters and attached to rocks/wood (nothing planted in the substrate) I have 13 angels, one electric blue acara, 7 cories, 5 catfish, and 4 plecos in a 120-gallon tank, That is much more heavily stocked than yours. My nitrates range from 30 ppm to 80 ppm. I do not think that is harmful to the fish. See aquariumscience,org articles regarding nitrates.

As for the plants, I assume that more nitrates is good.

 

 

[GameCzar]

I personally don't worry unless it gets near 50ppm nitrates, but 40ppm might be safer...who knows.  
The tank looks great1

[Edsland]

0-40 is considered safe anything over 80 could be fatal for fish in the long run. 

[Mmiller2001]

I will say nitrates generated from organics should be zero and nitrates added from salts should be around 5ppm to 30ppm. Essentially, enough should be present that availability never reaches 0ppm.