What Is the Correct Nitrate Level for Salt Water Tanks?

Nitrate is a nutrient created as a result of dead animals, animal waste and plant decay in an aquarium. The correct nitrate level in a saltwater tank is important because it can affect the health of the animals. A level of 10 to 35 ppm for a tank harboring fish is an ideal level. A tank that contains coral must be between .25 to 5 ppm.

  1. Supplies

    • Maintain the fish tank in an orderly manner to keep nitrate at these levels. In order to monitor the nitrate level of a fish tank, a test tube is used with a Nitrate Wide Range CTA TesTabs (3703) tablet and a nitrate level color chart. A thermometer is needed to monitor the temperature. Careful management of water top-offs and the amount of food given to the animals is needed daily. Purchase a proper filter, tank "janitors," and nitrate-reducing products. Purchasing products such as a container or trashcan, and tubing to assist in cleaning the tank will help to ensure the tank nitrate levels remain at the correct levels. The usage of a Denitrification Reactor works, but it is costly at $450.00.

    Process

    • Monitor temperature daily and do not overfeed. Too much food encourages the growth of algae and higher levels of nitrates. Algae eaters should be added to the water, such as a Triops or Pacific Cleaner Shrimp to help keep the detritus, algae, and other build up away. Test the water before cleaning by taking a test tube, filling it with water from the tank. Drop a CTA tablet into the tube, wait for the timer and compare the color to the colors on the nitrate level color chart. After the level is assessed, mix up fresh saltwater with some of the tank water. The size of the fish tank will determine the size of the container.

      For example, if it is a large 55-gallon tank, using a 20-gallon trash can will suffice. Local pet stores have saltwater mixes for saltwater tanks; just mix it up with tap water. Gradually emptying and re-filling the tank using the tubing, with a mixture of old and new saltwater, will ensure the tank life is not shocked by the abrupt change. If the tank is emptied and filled with new water suddenly, the life inside will not be able to adjust to the rapid changes, which could result in death. Re-test the water for the nitrate level when finished.

      Other products such as sugar, vinegar, or vodka can be used to help control nitrate levels, although they may take much longer to have any effect. Only experienced saltwater aquarium owners should attempt this process. Anyone just getting their feet wet should stick with the tried and true way of monitoring and lowering nitrate to the correct level.