Nitrate levels in Betta tanks

[floriz]

My betta tank's nitrate levels are sitting around 20 ppm, which seems a bit high. I do weekly 25% water changes, but it's not dropping much. Anyone got tips on how to keep it lower without stressing my fish?

[folkia]

20 ppm isn't terrible, but you're right to wanna lower it. What's your tank size and stocking? Overfeeding or too many tankmates can spike nitrates. Also, check your tap water, sometimes it's got nitrates already.

[dawnlight]

20 ppm isn't terrible, but you're right to wanna lower it. What's your tank size and stocking? Overfeeding or too many tankmates can spike nitrates. Also, check your tap water, sometimes it's got nitrates already.

Exactly. I'd add live plants like pothos or floaters—they suck up nitrates like crazy. My 10-gallon with frogbit stays at 5 ppm max.

[barkdale]

I had the same issue. Switched to feeding every other day and added a sponge filter. Nitrates dropped to 10 ppm in two weeks.

[mindflux]

Seconding live plants! My anubias and java fern made a huge difference. Also, maybe bump water changes to 30% if your betta's chill with it.

[floriz]

Thanks, y'all. Gonna try adding some floaters and cutting back on food. Tank's a 5-gallon with just the betta, so maybe I'm overdoing the flakes.

[Rainydayz]

If you're using tap, test it first. My local water's got 10 ppm straight from the faucet. Had to switch to RO with remineralizer.

[Korvo]

20 ppm's not gonna hurt short-term, but yeah, floaters are clutch. Duckweed's ugly but works. Just don't let it take over.

[finley12]

20 ppm's not gonna hurt short-term, but yeah, floaters are clutch. Duckweed's ugly but works. Just don't let it take over.

Lol, duckweed's the herpes of aquariums. But for real, salvinia's prettier and just as good.

[neptun]

Check your filter media too. If it's packed with gunk, it might be leaching nitrates back into the water. Rinse it in old tank water during changes.