Why is Easy Green raising my nitrate level?
Plants require a precise mix of nutrients in order to get the essential building blocks required to grow new roots and leaves.
Macronutrients
These nutrients are nutrients that plants need in large amounts (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium).
micronutrients
There are trace amounts of nutrients that plants require, such as iron, manganese, and boron. Traditionally, it was thought that fish poop and uneaten fish food were sufficient sources of nutrients for plant growth, but in reality, they do not contain all these necessary nutrients in the right ratios or amounts. Easy Green is an all-in one fertilizer that can be used to keep your plants well-fed and healthy.
As you can see in the list of nutrients above, the goal of Easy Green is to raise nitrate (or nitrogen) and other nutrients so that plants have enough to consume. Because these nutrients are macronutrients, your plants require more of them, the percentages for nitrate and phosphate are higher than others. Easy Green can be added to increase the nitrate level as measured using a water test strip. In fact, the goal is to dose enough Easy Green until the nitrate level reaches 50 ppm.
Are high levels of nitrate dangerous?
While ammonia and nitrite can be toxic to animals at even trace amounts, nitrate is considerably less toxic. In a research paper titled Nitrate toxicity to aquatic animals, nitrate levels were raised up to 800 ppm before they became lethal to guppy fry. As a rule of thumb, we recommend keeping aquariums at 50 ppm nitrate and below.
If you have a fish tank that is heavily stocked with animals and/or does not have a lot of aquarium plants, the nitrate level produced by fish waste can naturally climb to 50 ppm and above. In this situation, many hobbyists are tempted to stop using Easy Green since it will increase the nitrate even higher. However, withholding fertilizer will end up depriving the plants of other essential nutrients besides nitrate. To prevent this from happening, use the following instructions:
1. If nitrate is 50 ppm or above, do a 50% water change (or multiple 50% water changes every four days) until nitrate reaches 25 ppm at most. 2. One pump of Easy Green should be used for every 10 gallons. Give the water a rest for a few hours before testing it again. 3. You want to get to 50 ppm nitrate. If the nitrate level is still low, you can repeat Step 2. You will continue to apply fertilizer until it reaches 50 ppm. 4. Wait 3-4 days and test the water again. You will need to change 50% of the water if the nitrate level is higher than 75-100ppm. Consider removing some fish or adding more plants (especially fast-growing ones) to decrease the rate at which nitrate is produced.
Are Low Levels of Nitrate Dangerous?
While fish and other aquatic animals are not affected by a lack of nitrate, plants absolutely need it to grow well. Plant leaves can turn yellow, especially at the tips, and then eventually fall off. This is because the plant has been consuming nutrients from the bottom to make new leaves.
Signs of nitrogen deficiency
We recommend that you use 1 pump of Easy Green to 10 gallons water. This will help prevent your plants from starving.
– Dose once a week for low light aquariums. – Dose twice a week for medium light aquariums.
However, if you find that your plant leaves are still turning translucent and developing holes, a customized dosing method may be needed, based on the nitrate level of the water.
1. Add Easy Green to your water if the nitrate level is between 0-25ppm. Wait a few hours and test the water again. 2. If the nitrate level is below 50 ppm, you can repeat Step 1. Keep applying fertilizer until it reaches that level. 3. Give the water a rest for three to four days, then test it. To reach the goal of 50ppm nitrate, you can use Easy Green again.
You will soon be able to determine your personal dosing schedule by recording the dates and amounts of Easy Green you used. Just be aware that as plants and fish grow larger or are removed from the aquarium, this changes the amount of nitrate that is needed, so keep an eye on the growth of the plants and test your water to adjust the schedule as needed.
The bottom line is don’t be alarmed if your nitrate readings are higher than 0. Nitrate can be good for plants. Easy Green was created to be a beginner-friendly fertilizer. Just add 1 pump per 10 gallons, and you’re good to go!
The following articles provide more information:
Which Planted Tank Fertilizer Is Right for You? Nutrient Deficiencies: Why Your Aquarium Plants Are Dying
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