High nitrate in tap water?

Question

My tap water seems to be the cause of high nitrate levels in my fish tank. Is there any product I can use to lower these levels or am I going to have to use bottled water(distilled or spring)?

my tank is 55g with 3 fish, it is not overstocked....AK i measured the nitrate level from a sample taken right out of the faucet ;)

Answer 1

Live plants eat nitrates as fertilizer. If you want plants that require no care and low lighting, then get java moss, java fern, anacharis, and/or wisteria. These plants are very undemanding and will lower your nitrates pretty quickly as long as the tank is not overstocked.

Answer 2

Are you sure it's coming from your tap water? HIgh nitrate levels in a fish tank can generally be attributed to having too many fish in the tank, overfeeding the fish, or both. Tap water can lead to problems in fish tanks, but I'd bet that there are other factors involved as well. How often do you change your water? Do 10-20% water changes every one to two weeks if you are having difficulty with nitrates. Cut back your feedings to a very small amount once daily, or even cut it back to every other day feedings. Get some plants. Change out your carbon at least once per month. You can use a product called De-Nitrate that works wonders. In my opinion, it works better than Purigen. This is the best way to deal with nitrates, in my opinion.

FWIW, nitrates in an aquarium are a by-product of denitrifying bacteria which convert ammonia (found in decomposing food and fish wasters) into nitrites, then nitrates. The nitrates will remain in your water until removed (through water changes, absorption by plants, or absorption by chemical media).

Answer 3

There are few products that will remove the nitrates from your tap water affordably.

You can use distilled or RO water in your tank, but I suggest that you use it mixed with your tap water. Use a 50/50 mixture of RO and tap water for your water changes.

Answer 4

Buy a box of PURIGEN, to lower the Nitrate levels. It is manufactured by a company called Seachem.

You can purchase it at your local petstore or Petsmart, its not that expensive, and it works like a charm. I had my fish dying left and right a week ago and since I added this stuff my fish have been doing much better.

I hope this helps!!! Good luck.

Answer 5

how high is the nitrate?

don't use distilled... it has no minerals in it for your fish or plants.
if your can afford it, spring water is a good alternative.

there are chemicals that lock the nitrates.. or used active charcoal. all can be bought at the fish store.