Common Nitrate Sources

[Lilly]

I know that high nitrates are very bad for our fish....also that detritus and infrequent water changes contribute....what else can cause high nitrates?:confused:

[Andy27012]

Almost anything you put into your tank will cause nitrates to form, you only need to worry about it if they are excessive. If you are having trouble with nitrates I would work my way down the following list:
Feeding regimen
Total bio load on the tank (too many fish)
Water maintence schedule
Source water
Old or dirty substrate
If planted tank excess dead foliage
Those would be my initial checks. Most anything that can decompose will contribute to nitrate levels, even things like excess fish slime. Frequent water changes and a balanced system will help to keep things in check. I know not everyone is a fan but activated carbon will help as well as products such as purigen. With either of these materials they are much more effective if run in a reactor vs being tossed in in a filter bag.

[Lilly]

The breakdown of almond leaves I have been using must be the answer....thank you Andy :)