nitrate value in you Aquarium senkan - If the nitrate value times gets too high: In an aquarium Nitrate NO3 not really bad. But only as long as the nitrate content remains below a certain value. Today we want to show you the connections in things nitrite and nitrate explain in more detail. But above all it's about how to reduce the NO3 content if it gets too high. What optimal values are and how you can influence them accordingly is answered in this guide.
What actually is nitrate?
After we already in our Aquarium chemistry guide have explained exactly the connections and also in the area of Driving in an aquarium auf die nitrification have been received, we shall be brief here. Ultimately, nitrification is about toxic nitrite, which is in the nitrogen cycle is formed to be converted into harmless nitrate. This requires some bacteria, which also go by the name Nitrobacter are known. These ensure rapid degradation or conversion.
What is a “normal” nitrate value?
If you have read the article above, you ask yourself why it can be too high at all. But first we have to clarify what a value that is too high actually is. Basically, it is difficult to give a uniform value, because, as always, it depends on many factors. The planting plays a very important role, because it is responsible for how much of the nitrate is broken down. Plants need nitrate for their growth and consume this up to an appropriate level.
In a normally planted aquarium, values of up to around 100 mg per liter are not a problem. In tanks with fewer plants, be it in a Malawi tank, other values can be aimed for. It also depends on the ornamental fish kept. Not every species tolerates the same amount of nitrate and can use it accordingly.
Unfortunately, it can also happen that the nitrate content in an aquarium becomes too high and it can no longer be used sufficiently. Then there are problems for the fish. To prevent this from happening, these values should also be checked regularly. This is best done with the well-known droplet tests and strip tests.
Nitrate levels in a planted aquarium
If you read the above things or our article on the Best sellers the aquarium and aquatic plant fertilizer, because one quickly realizes that in a well-planted aquarium it should not usually come to the point where the nitrate value becomes too high. It may even be that you have to explicitly increase this, otherwise the growth of the plants is inhibited. How much the Aquatic plants need for their growth depends on many factors. Be it the strength of the planting or the type of aquatic plants. Fast-growing plants, which are a good remedy against algae in particular, require significantly more NO3 than slow-growing ones. A daily consumption of up to 10 mg/l can quickly occur. Therefore, in such an aquarium, care must always be taken to ensure that there is enough NO3. Values of around 20 to 30 mg/l should be aimed for.
As we mentioned at the beginning, this article is primarily about how to reduce nitrate.
- Naturally reduces the algae nutrient nitrate (NO3-)
- The permanent reduction of nitrate deprives the algae of an important nutrient, creating unfavorable living conditions and making it difficult for the algae to grow.
- The granules contained activate microorganisms that feed on nitrate and thus biodegrade it
- Long-term improvement of the water quality and stabilization of the pH and KH values
- Suitable for all fresh and salt water aquariums
Where does the nitrate level get too high quite quickly?
As already written above, you shouldn't have any problems in a well-planted tank. But there are exceptions. Usually these are breeding facilities or aquariums which are very heavily occupied. Also in shrimp tanks, which are also used for breeding, it can happen that the nitrate value becomes too high and can thus influence the development of the ornamental fish.
Of course it can also happen in the community tank that we measure an increased NO3 value. This is usually due to either too many organic substances being present or too much being fed. Fish food and other substances ensure that the balance in the nitrogen cycle is thrown off balance, resulting in too much nitrate or, even worse, nitrite.
What can I do against a too high nitrate value? What measures are there to reduce the nitrate content?
Ultimately, it is important to first think about the causes, what can be the reason for too much nitrate in the tank. If this happens in breeding facilities, the causes are quickly found. In a planted aquarium, the reason is usually that too few plants or no fast-growing plants have been used. The consumers and decomposers of the substances are simply missing. Therefore, the first measure should be a precise analysis of the causes. The next step is to increase the planting.
There are also a number of levers in the area of filtering the aquarium, because this ensures that the necessary decomposition substances and bacteria only accumulate. Biological filter media such as JBL BioNitrat Ex help break down nitrate. This special filter medium is especially recommended for solving algae problems. It contains special filter balls which are placed in the aquarium.
Furthermore, there is also the filter medium from JBL JBL ClearmecPlus to remove nitrite, nitrate and phosphate. There is also the NitratEx which has a chemical effect and is also placed in the filter of the aquarium.
If you do not want to reduce the nitrate value via the filter, you can do this directly via the water, because manufacturers such as Tetra also offer certain preparations for this. The product Tetra should be mentioned here, for example NitratesMinus for around 7 euros a bottle. Here, too, one speaks of a reduction in algae.
- Naturally reduces the algae nutrient nitrate (NO3-)
- The permanent reduction of nitrate deprives the algae of an important nutrient, creating unfavorable living conditions and making it difficult for the algae to grow.
- The granules contained activate microorganisms that feed on nitrate and thus biodegrade it
- Long-term improvement of the water quality and stabilization of the pH and KH values
- Suitable for all fresh and salt water aquariums
However, we are rather skeptical about the long-term effectiveness. In any case, we would recommend reducing the nitrate value via the filter or the filter media before resorting to the chemical club.