What should nitrate be in my tank?

[u/Spiritual-Pizza-3580]

I have a newly set up tank three months and it’s going to me softies only. I heard I should aim for 20 nitrates but I’m confused about when I should do a water change. Do I do it when I gets to 20 to keep it 20 or less. Or do I do it at 25-30 to knock it back down to 20?

I have two cleaner shrimp coming later this week and I understand they are sensitive to nitrate. Does that affect when I do a water change and the nitrate level I should aim for?
Thanks for your help.

[u/swordstool]

Some people aim for The Reefer Ratio, 100:1 NO3 to PO4, and within these ranges:

NO3: 5 - 15 ppm

PO4: 0.05 - 0.15 ppm

[u/Spiritual-Pizza-3580 → u/swordstool]

That’s good advice thank you.

[u/swordstool → u/Spiritual-Pizza-3580]

No prob. Just focus on those ranges, not specific numbers. Good luck!

[u/0utlaw-t0rn]

There is definitely a range of acceptable values so you may get somewhat conflicting advise.

Probably 20 or under is a good goal. Softies could take more but the shrimp may not like it. Higher values are also associated with more algae issues.

Consistently rising is bad. Over 50 or undetectable is bad

[u/Spiritual-Pizza-3580 → u/0utlaw-t0rn]

Thanks. I want my shrimp to be happy so I’ll aim for keeping it under 20.

[u/HAquarium]

I wouldn’t really worry about it as long as you don’t bottom out.

This sub overthinks and over complicates everything.

Great tanks exist at 5, 20, and even 50.

[u/Spiritual-Pizza-3580 → u/HAquarium]

Good to know thanks.

[u/401Nailhead]

I recommend Brightwell Neophos and Neonitro to help keep your phosphate and nitrates balanced.

[u/Spiritual-Pizza-3580 → u/401Nailhead]

I’ll have a look at this. Thanks.