Detectable Nitrates

I am using the API liquid test and my nitrAte reading is below 5 ppm but above 0 ppm. If I had to guess I would say my level is at 2ppm. Is this number something that I should be focused on reducing or is it not that big of a deal?

I don't have any SPS or other super-delicate inverts, nor do I really plan on it, aside from perhaps a clam.

Thanks for looking,
Doratus

 

Geesh, mine are at 10-15. I need to buy a skimmer still. haha.

I wouldn't worry about the level you have[2]. Especially if you have no SPS. Soft corals actually like some nitrates & I do not know of anyone who has "absolute zero" as their NO3 level.

It's difficult to get that low. I've heard of 1ppm in an SPS tank. 0 is difficult to get.

 

Well thanks... I guess I'm doing pretty good at 2.

 

I agree, though I see people say they do all the time...

 

Well that is why I pose the question. I often see "no detectable levels" which implies that the color in their test tube is perfectly yellow without any hint of orange... well wouldn't that be zero?

Thanks again, feeling a little better about life decisions now.

 

Doratus, my boyfriend (new to SW) was stressed about it at first too, until he started talking to a lot of other people with tanks (we have a lot of LFS stores here with workers who have personal tanks and a really big local SW club) and none of them had zero LOL.

 

Dude...nitrates anywhere from 5-20ppm will not hurt anything..The lower ther nitrates in a SPS system is the best(below 10ppm)LPS or softies(20ppm or below) I run my 14g with 15ppm nitrate I have LPS and softies.

 

Well then that settles it.

Thanks again.