how long does high nitrates (100+) starts affecting your tank

[DTz]

2 wks ago i tested my nitrates and it was 160+++!! i did a few 15% water change since then and it has dropped to 80-100. my corals n fishes are still looking really good atm. no algae bloom. so it got me thinking.. how long will it start affecting my tank if nitrates stays high?

 

[Waters]

If you have coral, I would say that it is already affecting them. Although some coral actually grow quicker with elevated nitrates (160 is more than elevated though), those that calcify will be more affected. That number is even way too high for fish in my opinion. What are you using for filtration? I would increase your water changes to weekly if you aren't already until you can keep the levels under control.

 

[jcdeng]

were your snails all dead lol, if you have no algae with that number of No3 then your po4 must be near zero.