Nitrate

What is Nitrate?

Nitrate (NO3) is a nitrogen by-product of the nitrifying bacteria (Nitrospira) in a filter or substrate consuming Nitrite. It was previously thought species of Nitrobacter did this. but since 1998 it's considered to be species of Nitrospira.

• Nitrate is far less toxic than nitrite and much less toxic than Ammonia.

The level of Nitrate in water that may damages aquatic animals varies considerably in each species and at their stage of growth. With mortality of eggs and very young fry being sensitive to low levels (~20 mg/l) of nitrate. Also nitrate toxicity is made further complex as fish can become accustomed to a slowly growing level of nitrate over time and remain seemingly visually unharmed.

Scientific studies into nitrate toxicity have been primary been performed on commercial fish consumed by the public. For example fish like Salmon, trout and some large catfish. With the majority of the fish used in the ornamental pet trade remaining untested and therefore an unknown factor.

Studies of adult fish like Salmon show they can tolerate levels of 5,000 mg/l

Recommend level

The safe level of nitrate varies considerably between species and its age. The hobby has settled for an average maximum level of 50 mg/l in a typical community tropical tank. But this level may need to be adjusted downwards if you wish to own known nitrate sensitive fish like Stingrays or Discus. Marine fish owners often set a safe level of below 20 mg/l.

Symptoms of Nitrate poison

It inhibits growth, damages internal organs and impairs the immune system in young fish. In older fish high levels cause stress leading to a depressed immune system, behavioural changes and even blindness and death.

Lethal dosage

• There is no single level 'dangerous' dosage. Aquarists playing safe by trying to keep this level below 50 mg/l. Though in reality species vary enormously in their tolerance to this toxin. The theory today is that prolonged exposure to elevated levels of nitrate may decrease the immune response, induce internal hematological and biochemical changes within the animal (behaviour changes) and may increase mortality. Especially in fry.

The average fish can withstand quite high dosages of nitrates (100-500mg/l) as long as the build up of the chemical is slow and over many days in the tank. However it's quite common for less experience aquarists to go and introduce a new fish to their seemingly healthy tank of fish only for the new fish to die overnight due to nitrate poisoning if the tank water is heavy with nitrate. And as stated previously each species tolerance is different (and poorly researched in the cases of ornamental aquatic pets) which is why the hobby often recommends an average safe level of 50mg/l.

Testing for Nitrates

There are many test kits available from pet shops for testing the level of nitrate in water. Some are simple strips of cards which you dip into water. Other more accurate ones use drops of chemicals you mix with a sample of water.

• Aquarists should always have a test kit on hand. If there is an unexplained death or behaviour in the tank then an immediate test of nitrates, nitrites, etc. will be required as soon as possible in case action needs to be carried out.

Removing Nitrate

If levels are not going down then you may need to do several things:

• Do regular weekly water tests so you are not caught unaware.
• Do a water change. By simply performing a 25% water change once a week, most tanks will remain under the recommended 50 mg/l level.
• Check the nitrate level in your tap water. Some freshwater suppliers may supply tap water to you with a high level of nitrate already!
• Add a few fast growing plants to the tank. Aquatic plants consume nitrates as it's one of their nutrients. Though they may also need other nutrients in order to remove nitrates. See PMDD.
• Reduce feeding, you may be overfeeding the animals.
• Do not overstock your tank. Remove some animals if need be.
• Add a chemical treatment that removes or neutralises the nitrates.
  • Prime by Seachem neutralises nitrates.
  • AmQuel+ by Kordon removes nitrate.
  • NovAqua+ by Kordon reduces nitrates.
  • Nitrateminus by TetraAqua
  • Dose with fruit sugar fructose (typically 4g per 20 litres of water once a week or half that amount of fructose if nitrates are higher than 100mg/l) which promotes nitrate consuming bacteria by supplying a source of dissolved carbon for the bacteria to consume nitrogen. Ensure aquarium is well aerated during this treatment.

• Add a nitrate reactor which removes the nitrate by chemical or bacteria process.
• Add bacteria (mainly bacillus sp. bacteria) that removes nitrate by consuming it.
  • Viresco Aqua/Koi adds nitrate consuming bacteria.
  • Right Now! Bacteria

Adding Nitrates

In a well planted tank with a good CO2 supply, the plants will want to consume more nitrate than there is in the water. In these situations it is often the case that aquatics manually add nitrate via chemical powders.

• Typical nitrate chemical is Potassium nitrate KNO3 or less commonly Sodium nitrate NaNO3.

See PMDD and EI for examples of their use.

Links

• Nitrate by Wikipedia
• Nitrate in the aquarium and safe levels by the OATA
• Adding Nitrate to a planted tank
• Nitrospira - Not Nitrobacter by MarineLand
• TetraTest. Typical range of test kits from TetraAqua
• Nitrate Toxicity: A Potential Problem of Recirculating Systems (Archived web link Nov. 2004)
• PFK Forum - What should my Nitrate level be?

Other relevant articles

• See Nitrate respiration