Nitrate Poisoning

Definition

Nitrate poisoning is the chronic damage from sustained high nitrate (>40 ppm) levels. Less acute than ammonia but causes long-term organ damage + shortened lifespans.

Practical use

Symptoms: faded color, lethargy, refusing food, sensitive species (SPS, shrimp) crash first. Sustained 80+ ppm = many species die within weeks. Fix: increase water change frequency + reduce feeding + GFO/biopellets in saltwater.

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