Explains A Lot...

BIG_Z

BIG_Z

Members
So living in a somewhat rural area my water is supplied by a private well. I have always had nitrates in and around the 15-20+ range in my tanks no matter what I do (super sizing the bio filters, 50% wc 2x a week, etc). Somewhat puzzled I decided to have my well water tested. The nitrates in my plain water is over 15! It has not caused any adverse effects to my health so I will keep drinking it but I don’t want my fish swimming in it. At first I thought I would just get a R/O unit and the problem would be solved but I have very hard mineral rich water and from what I have read I would be going through cartridges like candy and I cant really afford to be doing that. Then my mind went to a plant filter of sorts. Get a 300 gallon stock tank (the somewhat cheap huge containers) and plant it heavily. Would this removes nitrates quickly enough to be an ample source of decent water for my tanks? Any other Ideas on a cheap way to lower nitrates?

-James
 
BIG_Z

BIG_Z

Members
Well that is some comforting information. Wonder how much Roaring Springs charges for drinking water delivery. Anyone on here use them?
 
chris_todd

chris_todd

Members
Like Sam, I'd be more concerned about the long term affects on your health than your fishes. Have your fish shown signs of distress? I know a lot of planted tank folks that add Nitrate (usually in the form of KNO3) to their tanks to try to keep their nitrates in the 10-20 ppm range, and every one of those tanks have fish in them.

A planted sump could probably work, but its practicality would depend on how many tanks you have, how many gallons you have to change, how big the sump is, and how fast the plants consume nitrate. A lot of variables. And before you drop a couple hundred on a high tech light fixture, ferts for dosing, and a CO2 setup, you'll need to solve at least parts of that equation.
 
verbal

verbal

CCA Members
There is a guy on AquariaCentral who uses pothos plants in modified HOB filters for Nitrate reduction. If you think that might work for you, I could look up the thread.
 
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Plenipotentiary-at-large
Likelihood is that your well/groundwater is affected by fertilizer reunoff

Deeper well might put you in the clear, but a water treatment system would be cheaper.

http://www.raindancewatersystems.com/nitrate.html

If it's your home for life, something along these lines might serve you well on several accounts. Additionally, the presence of high levels of residual fertilizer could also indicate the likelihood of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) being present in your water as well, specifically herbicides and pesticides that generally make nitrates look like mother's milk in term's of their cumulative effects on human physiology.

You should have your water tested. Period. Some of the stuff that's in water is simply absorbed through the skin, i.e., you don't even have to drink it to be affected. Just not a case where ignorance is any way blissful.
 
BIG_Z

BIG_Z

Members
Im in a rental and was not planning on moving till next spring but after reading some of this info I think it might be a decent time to start looking around. Thanks for all the info. Who care about nitrates in a fish tank when you are drinking / bathing / cooking with pesticides LOL now until I move I get to imagine chemicals pouring over me when I shower.
 
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Plenipotentiary-at-large
Apologies. Not a given, just a possibility.

The fact that you're healthy counts for a lot. Just make sure your drinking water is good and you may yet make it to 100 with a smile on your face.
 
creepyoldguy

creepyoldguy

Members
I always thought you were weird. Never knew it was from the drinking water. Oh well, I don't mind cleaning up the drool after you leave. Hahaha
 
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