Whate are Nitrates?

[xbox360blue]

What are nitrates? Is there nitrates in freshwater tanks too? Do I need to measure the amount of nitrates in freshwater tanks as well? All I've done is add water conditioner. Now I see there's a bacteria additive to add to freshwater and salt water. I think I'll stick to what I have the most experience and that's fresh water community fish tanks. I know how to buy the kits to monitor PH levels. In time would like to just buy an electric PH probe.

[cocoa_pleco]

yep, theyre in freshwater and you should test for them

[xbox360blue]

But what are they? What is nitrates? What's the benifits of it? Bacteria? Nitrogen in the water? Water is H2O right? Hydrogen and oxygen makes water.

[jbeining75]

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Here read this. It will explain the chemistry behind cycling and how it works....

[Drumachine09]

Fish produce ammonia. Nitrifying bacteria oxidize the ammonia into NitrItes. A different bacteria oxidizes the NitrItes into NitrAtes.


Nitrates are the last step in the nitrogen cycle.

[Drumachine09]

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Here read this. It will explain the chemistry behind cycling and how it works....


Ninjapost:c1:

[travie]

Nitrates are NO3. You need to measure them too. If the nitrates get above a certain amount, you will need to do a water change to remove them. 40 ppm of nitrates is the maximum amount that should be allowed in the water.

[Lady Hobbs]

Once you have an established tank, it's easy to control your nitrates as they are removed by doing gravel vacuuming and water changes. Nitrates should remain below 20.

[PUNISHER VETTE]

yeah they are the final stage of the bacterial process. Probably the least deadly for the fish and at certain levels are actually beneficial to the plants if you have any. If not they are removed with your water changes.