Nirates testing 0 why?

[Clowning_Around72]

The nitrates in my tank have been testing 0 along with ammonia and nitrite. I have a pair of ocellaris clownfish in a nuvo 60 gallon tank. I only do water changes when nitrates go up but they have not been going up so should I be concerned? Does live rock take in nitrates? Some algae maybe? I just want to know what is causing of course I dont mind that the nutrients are testing so low but I would like a little bit. Any causes?

 

[LIreefguy]

2 fish in a 60 gallon tank isn’t much

If feed correctly and it looks like you have. With live rock in the tank I can see nitrates being close to zero as possible


I never chase numbers as long as my fish and corals look healthy I don’t really concern myself with the numbers. Just test to mske sure they stay stable

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Wondering what test kit you are using.

 

[Clowning_Around72]

Wondering what test kit you are using.

API

 

[Clowning_Around72]

2 fish in a 60 gallon tank isn’t much

If feed correctly and it looks like you have. With live rock in the tank I can see nitrates being close to zero as possible


I never chase numbers as long as my fish and corals look healthy I don’t really concern myself with the numbers. Just test to mske sure they stay stable

So its just that my tank can support what I have with no problem

 

[Mastiffsrule]

API is good for wide range, But may not show low range more precise.

With you size tank and bio-load you may be way down or zero. Try a salifet or other kit, or se what the LFS tests it at

 

[LIreefguy]

So its just that my tank can support what I have with no problem

Yes. I would still do at least bi weekly water changes. It’s another way to add trace elements and take anything out of the wAter that might build up slowly

API is good enough. Imo. I don’t care if my nitrates are zero or 5. Both are low

 

[MnFish1]

The nitrates in my tank have been testing 0 along with ammonia and nitrite. I have a pair of ocellaris clownfish in a nuvo 60 gallon tank. I only do water changes when nitrates go up but they have not been going up so should I be concerned? Does live rock take in nitrates? Some algae maybe? I just want to know what is causing of course I dont mind that the nutrients are testing so low but I would like a little bit. Any causes?

If the 'things' that use nitrate in your tank are using it as fast as its produced - the nitrate will be zero on the test - its just continually being produced and used.

 

[MnFish1]

Yes. I would still do at least bi weekly water changes. It’s another way to add trace elements and take anything out of the wAter that might build up slowly

API is good enough. Imo. I don’t care if my nitrates are zero or 5. Both are low

Curious - why should he do 'at least' bi weekly water changes - first because 'bi-weekly' can mean 2 times a week or every 2 weeks second - with that small a bioload - he probably doesn't need to change water that often - or?

 

[Clowning_Around72]

Yes. I would still do at least bi weekly water changes. It’s another way to add trace elements and take anything out of the wAter that might build up slowly

API is good enough. Imo. I don’t care if my nitrates are zero or 5. Both are low

I have no corals yet but still change out a cup or two occasionally.

 

[Clowning_Around72]

If the 'things' that use nitrate in your tank are using it as fast as its produced - the nitrate will be zero on the test - its just continually being produced and used.

Okay I understand that it is nothing to worry about I just thought it would rise slowly then get removed by water changes. Live rock must remove a lot more than I expected it to. Yet again, my tank is low stocked.

 

[moz71]

I am following as well. I have been at 0 nitrates for a long time with salfeit test kit. I too only have had 2 chromis for at least 2 month then just now added 2clowns about 2 weeks ago. I have a 125 gallon Taking it very slow. Also some coral frags. The only thing I get is a good amount of film algae on glass. And some very small patches of red hair algae that the turbo snails quickly take care of. I can’t even keep cheato alive in sump. I am thinking once stock goes up it may change so happy for now.