Water Testing » Pondlab - NT Labs » Nitrate Test Kit

Ammonia is broken down into Nitrite, which is then broken down into Nitrate. This process forms the biological filtration system and is called the Nitrogen Cycle. Nitrate itself is relatively non-toxic, and will not cause troubles at low concentrations. However Nitrate can cause problems as the level rises;

1. Nitrate is a plant nutrient, thus the plant, and algal life in the pond or tank will consume it for growth, thus removing it from the system. High levels of nitrate can encourage excessive growth of algae and blanket weed in some circumstances.
2. Marine reef invertebrates are very sensitive, and they can become quite intolerant of low concentrations of nitrate, with some symptoms visible at concentrations as low as 5 ppm. Also many fish keepers are starting to suspect that high nitrate levels may exert an influence on the efficiency of the immune system of the fish, and its health in general.

Monitor the level of nitrate in your pond, tank or reef using a PondLab Nitrate Test Kit on a regular basis. When the level becomes too high for your particular system perform a partial water change to lower the nitrate concentration.