Tiffers27 Posted December 29, 2021 Share Posted December 29, 2021 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? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HH Morant Posted December 29, 2021 Share Posted December 29, 2021 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GameCzar Posted December 29, 2021 Share Posted December 29, 2021 I personally don't worry unless it gets near 50ppm nitrates, but 40ppm might be safer...who knows. The tank looks great1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edsland Posted December 30, 2021 Share Posted December 30, 2021 0-40 is considered safe anything over 80 could be fatal for fish in the long run. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mmiller2001 Posted December 30, 2021 Share Posted December 30, 2021 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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