The Silent Killer - Nitrates in Your Fish Tank | What to Do About Them!

Hello Everyone,
In this video we take a closer look at how excessive nitrates can harm your fish. We'll talk about how to test for nitrates and how to control them.
Nitrate Water Test Kit (Amazon Affiliate Link):
amzn.to/2Eukc7K
Nitrogen Cycle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfTf2etjcygnKs
How to Lower Ammonia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a52QgYKfeMhjmqs
How to Lower Nitrite: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaWbqqRjrsmCl6c
Water Parameters: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipyzqIR9fJZ_g7M
If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
Thanks for watching!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Here is more information about water parameters. Definitely worth a look if you are trying to learn all you can about the subject! What exactly is the nitrogen cycle? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfTf2etjcygnKs What is Water Hardness? kzbin.info/www/bejne/roO8laesltCZrJI How Does pH Impact Fish Health? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmqxXn2intamgMk How to Lower Ammonia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a52QgYKfeMhjmqs How to Lower Nitrites: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaWbqqRjrsmCl6c What Does Water Quality Really Mean? kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipyzqIR9fJZ_g7M

[@mollychrisa1]

WOW, Thanks 👩‍🏫👩‍🎓☯️🧝‍♀️💖👩‍🔬👑

[@Mac_RacingKarts]

Prime Time Aquatics I have ? what else can I do to drop Nitrates. tank just tested (Ammonia 2.0ppm) (Ph 6.5ppm) (Nitrates 80-160ppm) this is a 75gallon aquarium with 1 sponge filter, 1 marineland 350 filter , and a canister filter . tank holds a 13inch red tail catfish

[@CarolynnMc01]

PS.... thanks for putting up with all my comments LOL. But I feel so blessed to get such great advice and help.

[@brettcoyle2399]

What’s a safe effective way to lower the nitrates in my cichlids tank I have srgonite sand everything is good??

[@CLifemusic]

So nitrite and nitrates are two different things? What happens when you put too much food in the tank?

[@Sparrow420]

Wow, that's the best analogy I've heard on this. (about the smoke)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@brad823]

Something few hobbyist ever talk about or, as you suggested, pay much attention to. Thanks for bringing it to light.

[@52morse]

Always need to hear/see this. Although I’m entirely aware of the cycle, I still need to be reminded. We get lazy sometimes once things are breathing on their own and smoothly. Guilty as charged slacking on testing.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We're all prone to it. : -)

[@marthanewsome6375]

I hardly test my tanks. I do if my fish start to act weird or notice a clogged filter. But I usually don't test and just jump in and do a 50 percent water change after the clog has been removed. I mainly go by what my fish are doing and acting like. My breeding discus splash me as I walk by to let me know they are hungry, so I feed them. But if I notice any of my fish not looking to well or discover a dead fish I always do a full set of tests before resorting to medication at all. My nitrates, well all of them never read anything more than 0 and I have all my plants to thank for that. I really only do water changes when I cut plants back and do a tank clean up and I keep hard to keep species of fish. A good fish keeper can pick up the signs that something isn't quite right.

[@wendyblue7021]

Thank you for breaking it down in a way I can better understand. Love all my fish and want the best for them 🐠

[@A.double93]

Fantastic way of explaining this issue, relating it to smoke in a room. I'm going to remember that for my explanations. Thanks again buddy, live your content

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@chriskunsak3963]

Love coming to your video's when I have a question... always feel better educated after listening to them. Thanks for all the time you put in to make these... they are vital to many of us out here so thanks!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for watching!

[@callenclarkesymphonic9359]

You guys really have one of the best Aquarium channels. Informative, professional, and concise. Well done.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@pjdfilmfoto8556]

Finally a video explanation I fully understand, ive been trying to fishless cycle for over a month and not really know what I was doing, superbly explained, brilliant ...Thank you !!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@carolinemusic100]

A super analogy to a smoke filled room. Excellent video. Extremely helpful. Thank you from the U.K.

[@Spacey7]

Thank you. After rescuing a neglected guppy a couple of weeks ago & rushing around trying to set up his tank, your videos have been invaluable & the guppy (so cute) is looking better than ever. 😊

[@alexmahon1]

From not clued up to well clued up especially after seeing your vid on the nitrogen cycle you explained it very well even a I understood it and that is saying something,so I would like to thank you for that .Now there is another genius who knows all about the nitrogen cycle.....looking forward to your next vid....please keep them coming....good luck

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very cool! That's what it's all about. : -)

[@artemiscai873]

I am new to the hobby. I really appreciate the way you explain things. Thank you!

[@awesomeness890]

Love how knowledgeable your videos are!! You’ve helped me a lot get a better handle, and understanding on my fish keeping experience!!:) Thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Glad they are helping.

[@ryanryans3438]

Hi friends @ Primetime aquatics I’ve been getting back into the hobby within the past year with all this extra Covid time on my hands & have found your KZbin very helpful & knowledgeable in being successful in the hobby. I recently set up a planted 125 gallon tank & have a few 29s set up as quarantine tanks to introduce new fish & treat them for ich with salt & temperature treatment. The 125 has been set up for @ 6 months now & is well cycled. I performed routine weekly water tests for the 1st few months which have been perfect so I switched to checking the water 1x/mo @ the 4th mo. & went another 2 months til I checked it thinking all was going well since my fish have been acting fine & I have 2 sets of Electric Blue Acaras that spawn regularly in the tank. I could not believe what I found. Nitrate levels through the roof 160ppm or better? I checked the water twice to ensure proper testing. Checked the 29s & 2 other planted tanks that I have. All the planted tanks read extremely high 160ppm?! So I did some KZbin research. I checked my tap water which was fine 0ppm. Then I got to thinking @ what I’ve been doing to my planted tanks & I’ve been adding fertilizer from Aquarium Co-op the iron supplement & All-in 1 supplement. So I did a little test to see what I would find. Filled up 2 API test Tubes w tap water & added 1 drop of iron fertilizer in a tube. Conclusion 5ppm Nitrates. I added 1 drop of the All-in-1 in the other test tube. Resulted in 160ppm Nitrates. I’ve been adding the proper recommended amount of fertilizer to the tanks 1 pump/10 Gal for the past couple of months. I perform 25-40% weekly water changes then add the fertilizer into the water for the plants. What have I done?!? Looking @ the label it lists Nitrates as an ingredient but I thought they would be low amounts since the label also says fish tested & safe. Well now I’ll be doing water changes w/o adding the fertilizer & hopefully I don’t shock my fish when they have Nitrate withdrawals. I’ll have to do some more testing/research & see how much fertilizer I can add w/o spiking my Nitrate levels. Nitrates @ 5-10ppm I can live with if I have to to keep the plants happy but 160ppm defeats the whole purpose of having live plants in the 1st place. Another thought some iron additives make your water hard-very hard. I just wanted to share this information since I didn’t see anyone mention this Nitrate killer on the KZbin. Hope it saves someone some headaches. Thx for sharing your knowledge & passion for the hobby. Ryan

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sounds like you can back off the ferts. I know for a lot of our tanks we don't add them anymore and just rely on the fish to produce the food for the plants!

[@jwssngr]

Thank you for that awesome information. I wasn't aware that plants help to keep those parameters under control. Very detailed information and it helped me very much. Thank you for taking the time to post that.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you watching!

[@travisraplee6648]

Everyone who keeps fish should watch this video.....best analogy and walk through I've ever heard. Hey man not all hero's wear capes, keep up the good work. 👏

[@tonyeskins2428]

You explain it so well and my tank is just how you say it should be. Smiling love these vids good work man.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for watching!

[@nicola3540]

Your water quality parameters videos are super helpful and very well explained, I feel a lot more confident when it comes to taking the correct action to keep my fish healthy and happy- so thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@CarolynnMc01]

Even though this is an older vdeo, I wanted to thank you for all your help with my aquariums. I have had at least one aquarium for 25 years. Always had higher nitrates. Now? No! Thanks to your help and also Cory, Aquarium Co op. You are both great and i appreciate your time and the efforts you make to help others. I have gobs of plants in my aquarium for the past 8 months and i can't believe how it's nixed the nitrate problem. I have a 29 gallon with 17 small fish and several snails. It's been 10 days since my last water change and my nitrates are registering 0 ppm (API test). Thank you so much! I'm going to get a ten gallon tomorrow to start a Nano tank! YAY.. Big bunches of thanks again.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Really appreciate you being here!

[@megadeth1763]

Simple.Basic and True for the most part. The key to success is in the water/about the water and what you put into the water.

[@snakehandler87]

Great video..I've got a rather odd 50 gal aquarium w over 30 random fish..majority came from my job that were very ill/dying, and surrenders etc..trust I know its overcrowded AND it almost always tests high for nitrates no matter how much I clean..BUT... most of my fish were horribly ill when i got them (huge lesion down to the spine on a brilliant rasbora and a rosy whitefin whose tail was gone past the scales were a few examples) that healed beyond better and are doing fantastic as are the other 30 or so and I'm so so thankful for that, for them and giving them another chance and a better life.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear it all worked out!

[@dwayneparsons543]

This was such a good reminder for me today. In my Goldfish/ Denison barb (Roseline Shark) tank I have a great filtration system with beautiful crystal clear water, large Amazon Swords, Pathos plants hanging on the back. Then I noticed the fish weren't quite themselves. The Goldfish just weren't quite as obnoxious as normal and so I did a water test. Almost O Ammonia and O Nitrite, and I was thinking whats to worry about until I saw the Nitrate (KO3) was at 80. Then I realized I skipped the weekly water change I normally do on Tuesdays and this is Sunday or five days beyond what I normally do. So today the get an extra large change...My Bad!

[@melissaamyx2196]

Thank you so much for these videos! I'm a newbie and have had success in my two tanks thanks to these videos! So much to learn!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hi Melissa - I glad they helped! : -)

[@mareczek75]

Best explanations about nitrate and whole cycle on KZbin... big big thanks. You are the real master ...☺

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching.

[@wolphdire]

Your videos are really helping me understand the more confusing aspects of keeping healthy aquariums + fish. Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@sanjd6882]

That's was a fantastically clear explanation of the issue. Thanks so much!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@Lumpydog]

Nice informative video. Thanks for putting it together and sharing it with the KZbin community. Cheers

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for watching!

[@lillyprince4323]

Tank you! Explained clearly and great advice.

[@bernhardkawell68]

A very nice video and well done explanaitions to a difficult Term in aquaristic ...thx for the time you spent in and to this video

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@lyrieth8833]

Thanks for this video someone finally explained nitrates in a way that I understood it!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you watching!

[@anthonylj9709]

The 5ml fill line on the first shot was too impressive....

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I doubt I could do it twice in a row.😃

[@beantownsbest894]

Exactly information i was looking for and easily understood , Thanks

[@brianarreguin2972]

Excellent job of explaining the science of the effect of nitrates in the aquarium! Thank you!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Brian Arreguin Thank you! Appreciate you watching!

[@reneeturcottecicigoi9435]

Awesome video. Loved the comparison to smokers in a room. You made everything so easy to understand 😊👍🏻

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Glad it helped.

[@amlanchatterjee2134]

Hi, My RTG Arowana, was spotted gulping for air. Did the water test and there was nitrate spike along with nitrite and ammonia. Unfortunately I added paracidol since the fish was not feeding for about a week. Did water change and fish got stable after overnight ideal. My question can this be due to change in water parameters or Paracidol can have aggravated it. Please enlighten, it will be really helpful

[@stevesaquatics165]

Great video. I also would like to add that sometimes with the right media and amount of media you can obtain a full cycle which is also the removal of nitrates from your aquarium but water changes are the easiest way and foolproof

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, I didn't focus on the specialized media too much due to cost, and the fact that other substances can accumulate in the tank that are not removed by nitrate removers.

[@happyhappyjoyjoy2014]

Thank you! I appreciate all the info you shared.

[@bigbadelectriccow2010]

great video. you nailed it with you N03 primer!

[@daveklausner]

Great Explanation. I dig the water chemistry. When you know it, your tank is healthy all the time

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@mpwall123]

Great info, and always love anchoring nitrate management

[@nancycarrasco8446]

I recently entered the fish keeping realm with my first betta and things were going great with my water until my amateur self added a brand new sponge filter to the tank. I got a nitrite spike! Your videos really make this easier for me to understand!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hope everything turns out ok!

[@lorettaodonnell1476]

All this time I thought the goal was to have 0 nitrate reading which has been almost impossible for me. I am above 40 ppm in both tanks and now confident I have the right scheduled water changes. I love this guy!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, 20ppm will be a lot easier to achieve. :-)

[@urbansk8r231]

The goal is to have nitrate readings but not a high volume of nitrates.

[@leviathan7332]

Thanks for your videos. I've gone down rabbit holes with some other you tubers. I'm coming back full circle.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad you are here!

[@Red_Pilled_Woman]

Wow! Really great comprehensive explanation:) After reading the api test solution bottle warnings, I learned to: • Wear gloves. Nitrate test bottle#2 is particularly dangerous to use without them. • Fill the tubes using a pipette & test away from the tank preventing any residue from contacting the aquarium water. • Have a test site with a cleanable or disposable surface. Tubes eventually leak. I do not think api does enough to promote safety in this way but their tests are precise and we all use them often. Thanks again for the great info. Really enjoy your channel! 👍😃👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great suggestions!

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

You'll need to replace your Nitrate Test Kit well before any of the other tests in an API Master Kit. 1) Coat the 5 ml line on the test tube with a clearcoat nail polish. 2) I wrap the tube in a paper napkin before I shake. This will absorb any leakage. 3) A 5 ml Medicine Syringe, available free at any CVS / Walgreens pharmacy, makes a great tool for filling the test tubes. I keep a 1 cup pyrex measuring cup to pull a small water sample from my Tank which I also use as rinse water for the tubes. I also keep a disposal cup handy at my test area which I cover with an old hand towel. PS: I generally only test for pH and NitrAte. If either test gives an Unusual or Unexpected Result, then I will test for Ammonia and Nitrite. Properly and Timely maintained Tanks will always test 0.0 ppm Ammonia and Nitrite.

[@cynthiadavis9589]

Hello! Thank you for this wonderful video and sharing your knowledge!!!

[@PETERPAN-eb9qb]

thanks , finally someone that explains this without all the theatre and b.s .like in your local fish shop . they only want to sell you something.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you :-)

[@manfredk7986]

Thanks Mate, you explained it very plain for me to understand how to look after my Fish. Now I know for sure that I have done my job looking after them the right way. Used to worry if the Nitrate lever was showing 20 and changed to much Water. Thanks again.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Awesome! Thanks for watching

[@benhommes3450]

Such good information and explanation. Immediately subscribed.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for being here!

[@queenmelisandre1442]

i needed this video. i hear so much that Nitrates should be at 0 but ive been getting 10-20 and i get 5 straight out the tap. looking forward to adding fish this weekend since my cycle is over.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It's very hard to get nitrates to zero and they don't need to be. If you can keep them at under 20ppm you are good!

[@paulcardoza9880]

Thank you for another informative excellent video!

[@helengrantis9676]

Thanks for all of your videos. So helpful!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you Helen! Appreciate you watching.

[@dallasfishguy]

Thanks Jason....very informative.

[@OgDj2024]

Great video, a lot of good information! 👍🏾

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

J Patterson thank you!

[@martroger5063]

Great vid. I'm new to this, so thank you for your information.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for watching. You are doing the right thing by learning everything you can. It will save you so many problems later.

[@davidmazzei9236]

Sometimes the tiniest bit of info is the very best thing ever. You said to check the true color of the test water, you hold it up to your aquarium. Using the aquarium lighting. Wow ! Not sure how to do it, I was holding it up against a white painted wall. When testing PH, I always showed a dark blue. Indicating 8+ or higher. Thinking it was too high, I was always trying to lower it. Tested using your method, against the aquarium glass, and it is at 7. Right where it should be. Same with nitrates. On the white wall, I show dark red, 40 or higher. Trouble. But against the glass, the true reading is 20. In the safe zone. I went from panic to "yes", all my work, all the videos I watched are paying off. This little bit of info was such a great help. Thank you !

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@lynnseiber9216]

Huge change, but huge relief honestly. I look forward to your changes.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hopefully it works out well.

[@TheFireBlazen]

I have watched sOoOOOo many videos from all over KZbin on how to take care of an aquarium and fish and I ended up having the biggest aquarium style crush on Jason =D

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you being here!

[@kennethjohnson6223]

Goddess

[@sadieyanda8869]

Great informative video! Thank you so much!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@byrguy1295]

Great tips and solutions thx

[@lindamelindasefcic7517]

Very helpful video! I discovered that even with regular water changes in my betta fry tank there was some fin curling going on. I did some research and read that nitrites can couse it it, or hard water etc so I tested the water and in the end it came out that the nitrates are high. No fish died ever, or got ill but their fins were developing odd shape as they reached a size of a 3 cm. This probably started to be a problem when I changed their food. They would grow rapidly from it and look healthy but.. I possibly ruined their finnage because I didnt know Ive had this problem in the tank. I am going to do water changes every day from now on (I did it every other day) and add some fast growing live plants. Hope it will help. Thank you again for these useful informations!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad it helped! Good luck with your betta spawns!

[@lindamelindasefcic7517]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you! There is always something new to learn :)

[@alans4281]

Basic but good to know for sure I am on the right track, Thanks many times for a restful sleep.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for watching!

[@wrmlm37]

I have nitrates in my tap water. I believe it tested around 40 ppm. Ill check again, when I test the aquarium but another video mentions how your water changes may not be the success you wish for. I always thought we couldn't use distilled, so maybe spring water? I'll keep after it. TY for this information. I have a whole lotta plants and some beautiful Java moss I threaded to a piece of manzanita! I am so happy with all these fish channels.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can use RO water, but you would have to remineralize.

[@sergeiz.5815]

Excellent info thanks 😊👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hey Everyone, a couple people asked why I didn't talk about denitrifying filtration systems. They're certainly available, but I geared this more towards the average hobbyist and some of these system can be expensive and require more knowledge about water parameters in general, because other parameters still need to be monitored.

[@N1khiel]

Ok. It's fine. I sent my dad this vid because he doesn't know if he should do water changes on my fish tank. I'm happy when my fish are happy😊. Thanks again

[@LuisDominguez-js9pr]

Prime Time Aquatics I started my fishless cycle last week and when I tested my water today it said that it was a 6.3. I was wondering if it’s normal for pH to to drop considering that my Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrates are all really high. Any advice would help

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Veltroks Sorry I missed this. Yes, as organic build in an aqueous environment the pH will often decrease.

[@reivax9120]

Very clear info thanks for sharing.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@nicolasansom2681]

Really helpful thankyou! ❤

[@jimmymcguinn2885]

Yeah, I did find it useful, thanks very much

[@minilea25]

Thank you so much! Even though I am no novice when it comes to healthy water parameters, I still learned a great deal from this video. Nice to see one on just nitrates. I have heard of nitrate filters...do these work at all?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If you have a large filtration system and can spare the space for an anaerobic environment it can sometimes work.

[@kimheadland9224]

Hi found this really helpful thank you very much 🐠🐟

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@truballpythonsterry6515]

Good Job, very informative.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@catfishcave379]

Filters are nitrate factories - that is their purpose. But if you clean your prefilter every few days before waste starts to break down, it will slow down the accumuation of nitrates. Your 'training' videos are very informative and spot on. Nice work. As others have said, where were you when I was getting into this hobby?!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very true, the more organics we remove the less time there is for nitrates to accumulate! Thanks for watching 😀

[@lemondemon1674]

Exelent explanation!! Thank You!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@skyskimmer]

Another great video, Cheers!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@juiceworldeuc]

Great video!!!!

[@joelebosi6168]

thank u! very good info!

[@affaefd4093]

very helpful, thank you bro

[@mrs_umbrahawk836]

Very knowledgeable! Like it!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Mrs_ UmbraHawk Thank you!

[@billsfish2522]

Nice informative video. Got plants, I do a 1/3 water change weekly and algae is not a problem.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Cool! Sounds like things are working well. : -)

[@stuartdavies551]

perfectly explained, great videos.....

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@littlej3777]

Wow my best healthy cichlid tank that made my fish color up and made them really healthy nitrate is at 10. My wife just tested the water right now and it’s at that level!

[@KGcichlids]

Great explanation! 👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@christopherw3007]

Thanks for the great video! Side note of interest. I did a water change today, and after putting in Seachem Prime, I decided to test it. Nitrates still came out between 10 & 20 PPM. It's almost like I'm fighting a losing battle here!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

10-20ppm is ok

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

So what's the problem?

[@AnnabelleBeaudoin]

Great video 👍

[@madfishdiva]

Excellent information 👍🏼

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks!

[@invain143]

Nice explanation, thank you sir!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@xdsmastermia]

great explanation! thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate it - thanks!

[@TheFishBeast]

Excellent topic! New sub!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Glad you’re here.

[@lisacrowley9585]

Great video 👍 as always

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@tonysilk6813]

Thanks great video

[@motorcitycichlids7181]

Great vid man.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Motor City Cichlids Thank you!

[@linaboutique7172]

very informative , thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for watching!

[@jlathem56]

Some great tips :)

[@brianp6180]

Great video! I personally think the API test kit reads high. I compare it to a tetra strip test kit and the API always reads higher. Strip reads in the safe range. My tap water does have around 10 ppm. My 125g African cichlid tank always reads over 40 but under 80. I run 2 FX6 filters stuffed with biohome ultimate and sponges. 50% per week water change. I have 19 young cichlids and 8 - dwarf synodontis which should be fine for a 125g tank. I don’t think I’m over feeding them they gobble it up so not much waste. My fish are healthy and are coloring up nicely as they grow. I don’t trust that API kits reading correctly. However I would feel much better if it read 10-20 ppm!

[@scottbeaulieu8192]

Mine reads 30-40ppm nitrites righ now on my 75... hoping it's just API kit, tap is 0-5ppm... ammonia is 0, nitrate was 0, then a bright red result of at or just below 40ppm. Everyone looks healthy fast swimming, colored etc...

[@cheryllong995]

Great, informative video, answered a lot of my questions, thank you.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

cheryl long awesome! Thank you!

[@ert-wert]

I've been rockin 160ppm nitrates for over a year. Horrible well water and didn't learn about it until a few months ago.. explains my explosive B.H algae and fields of Hydra.

[@Hklbrries]

Thank you! 💙

[@brianconroy7514]

This helped alot just tested my water after a couple days of my angle not eating and the nitrites and ammonia were threw the roof

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@josephnorris3327]

Sir you are a lifesaver of fish I was the one who did the filters and probably did not change water as often as I should does my algae eater outgrew my tank and probably killed my fish with ammonia and nitrates now I have switched to a bigger octagon tank tall and put GloFish in it I have a heater the water is warm I do have a LED light blue I hope it does not bother them too much and I just have a water filter system with no filter in it and I have a gravel sucker and I will be trying to add live plants or at least changing water a lot and I will leave the algae for I never knew how she was a good thing makes sense thanks a lot

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Appreciate you watching!

[@CrypnMexican]

Youre an absolute genius thank you so much man

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

GayFlannelShirtGuy69 :/ appreciate you watching!

[@joakimdjerv4488]

Thank you👍😊