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As some of you know I've been getting a zero nitrAte level in my planted 46, even with a heavy fish load. I then began adding KN03 to the tank and I still have a zero reading. I think I might know why. I recently read this on a website.

"The high surface area of java moss has the added bonus of increased nitrate removal from the water column"

I have large amount of my substrate and several pieces of driftwood covered with this stuff.

My Scapes

I think I fiqured out why my Nitrate levels are so low.

1. Lots of java moss. High surface area absorbs nitrate from water column.

2. Using Phos-X in my cansister filter. Removes phosphate, nitrite and nitrAte.

I think I'm going to remove some java moss and remove the phos-x and see what my readings are.


My Scapes

I'm going to take a guess and say that the java moss has less impact than the phos-x does. If you're removing the nitrates with the phos-x, then there's nothing there for the java moss to absorb. I'd try just stopping the phos-x at first and see what happens. If nitrate levels are still low, then try taking out some java moss.

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

It's the Phos-X. That's why I didn't use it. If it advertises that it removes nitrates, then it will remove nitrates.

You shouldn't need to use a phosphate eliminator, unless it is high in your tap water and then, you can use the PhosZorb bag overnight, then store it for the next waer change.

I made some errors in my 20 long and ended up with 5ppm of phos about a month ago (nevermind ). I ran PhosZorb in my Penguin 170 after soaking for the recommended 10 minutes and the next morning it was 0.5. That small amount I decided to leave as the plants will use it. My tap water runs at 1.0ppm and that is where my tank is currently, with few plants. I'm going to see if it goes down once I get more plants in there next week.

What is your phosphate level without the Phos-X and what prompted you to use it?



Last edited by Cory_Di at 21-Mar-2005 16:51

Probaly the old wives tale that Phosphates cause algae. No phosphate is as bad as an excess, same with Nitrates. Both are required by plants in sufficient quantity.

Once phosphate levels are in ratio with Nitrate levels they shouldn't cause a problem.

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

Speaking of ratio, what is that ratio again.

If my phos is at 1.0, what should my nitrates be?

Im kinda a beginner with plants, so yes I put the phosphate pad in there to curb algae growth and at the time I wasn't concerned with NitrAte levels for my plants.

I just took it out and I'm going to retest my nitrAte levels soon. How long should I wait to see a change.

Anyone have any comments on java moss soaking up nitrAtes. I have alot of this in my tank.

My Scapes

I would check nitrates in 3 days, and then in another 3 days. I think you will see them rising even if slightly. Nitrates rise slowly unless you have a huge load, like my two plump goldfish in a 36 gallon . I probably gain 7-10ppm daily in there . In my 20 long, it can take 3 days to see a substantial change in nitrates.

Java Moss is such a slow grower, I can't see it taking up a lot of nitrate or phosphate. When people want to reduce their nitrates, fast growing plants like hornwort are recommended because they soak them up.

Maybe someone else can provide thoughts on it, but I would not think, even in larger numbers that Java Moss would have a huge impact. Your plants need both nitrate and phosphate. It's when phosphate is out of control, either from tap water, overfeeding, or from some other source. It is rare that you would ever have to add phosporous.

If you want to know, here is the test kit I would recommend:

http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/phosphate%2ctest%2ckit/Class//T1/F73+1044+0402/EDP/43949/Itemdy00.aspx

Last edited by Cory_Di at 22-Mar-2005 08:28

Tetra,

I doubt the java moss is taking up all the nitrate. Even if it was there's no need to take the moss out, just adjust your KNO3 dosage to suit.

If you have removed the phos pad and are sure that's what was removing the nitrate just dose again with the KNo3 and test - the Kno3 has immediate effect.

If you want to check your test kit is working just dose a cup of water with KNO3, if you have a dosage calculater you can dose the cup to a known level. Then test with your kit to check it matches. If you dose a cup with Kno3 and still get a zero reading then your kit is definitely not working.

EDIT: Almost forgot. There is a chance if the phos pad was the culprit that you may not need to dose KNO3 on a frequent basis. You need to keep an eye on nitrate levels for a while 'til you get a feel for what the tank is consuming. If you are now at zero dose the KNO3 to get to 5-10ppm and then monitor until you get a feel for how much KNO3 the fish are contributing and what the tank is consuming.Keep a record you can then get a feel for if and how much KNo3 you need to add. Just make sure it doesn't drop below 5ppm.You may also need to dose some phosphate as I assume that's at zero also.

Last edited by bensaf at 22-Mar-2005 20:46

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

That's a really sound, logical idea. I see why I didn't think of it. I'm going to do that!

My Scapes

thats a really sound logical idea

Well that explains why I'm feeling all dizzy and light headed

I don't have them very often :%)

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.