Tropical Fish Forums

[Ursa]

I seem to have difficulty raising my nitrate level past 1.0 . Have done several water changes - 25% three days ago, 50% a week ago, and another 50% this morning. Am using a product called "Stability" each time I change the water, and when I do the 50% changes, I use a product called "Prime" which is supposed to reactivate the bacteria levels in my tank. I have a large Eheim filter. I'm using live plants. All other levels, ammonia and Nitrite levels are at zero where they're supposed to be. I am not using CO2 as I was told it wasn't necessary. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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Ursa

[diademhill]

Can you post a photo of the tank please?

[DaleJr]

I use SeaChem Nitrate.

This is the only way for me to keep my nitrates at or around 30ppm

[diademhill]

A picture is to see how the tank is planted.

We have had "planted tanks" with problems before and the tanks were not growing as expected - sometimes the plants are genuinely taking up the nitrates but other times it can be a problem with the test kit or with a precursor.

[Ursa]

[Ursa]

[Ursa]

[diademhill]

TBH I wouldn't worry about the nitrate not rising as the plants have some available as you still get a reading.

What is the bulb & how many of each fish?

How long has the tank been running?

[DaleJr]

Depending on fish load...Nitrogen might be required.

if you have few fish and the plants are the focal point let me suggest a couple of planted fish that go great in planted tanks.

Ottos.
Indo Algae eaters (siamese are very hard to find SAE)
Nerlite snails or MTS
even a Bristle nose (albino long finned) are small and will increase Nitrates with all that poop.

[Ursa]