The Puffer Forum

Hi everyone,
I posted about a week ago about RO and parameter change...At that point I was using a stets strip water test kit...I have since purchased an API test kit and have tested again... My nitrates in the tank are off the scale! I though OMG I better do another water change, but have done 3 50% changes in the last week and a half. I then thought maybe I should test my tap water...and there is is Nitrates out of the tap are off the scale! What is the best way to remove Nitrates from tap water? I have an RO system however, if I use that, the PH and KH and GH will change dramatically. Also, do I need to re-add nutrients if I use RO water?

My puffer seems to be happy and active and eating well but I did find one of his tank mates at the bottom of the tank this morning (first fish I have lost in ages). Not sure if it was the Puffer that did him in or something else (I did examine him for obvious injury but did not see any bite marks or anything).
I am planning another water change tonight or tomorrow, or actually after I hear from you guys here on the forum.

Any suggestions?

The water company has to give you water with less than 50ppm nitrate, if your tap water is over this value get your local provider in to test it because something will be wrong with your supply

Yea I agree, sounds like your tap water is unfit for any use

I am not familiar w/UK water reports and standards, but I know the are allow more than in the USA. Also, our utilities tend to report nitrate-nitrogen, which is different from just reporting nitrate. Be sure your units are the same.