Nitrate dropped to zero

[Myka]

It's quite possible you really do still have ammonia. As far as the nitrate dropping, that means your live rock is working. You live rock works as a denitrator. My tank hasn't shown nitrates since a couple weeks after it was done cycling.

[martinmcnally]

I thought it turned nitrite into nitrate, and water changes or other means get rid of the nitrate.

[Myka]

No. In freahwater, the only way to get rid of nitrates is waterchanges or a heavily planted tank (plants feed on nitrate).

In saltwater, you have the aerobic bacteria (on the rock surfaces, and sand surfaces, etc) that convert ammonia to nitrite, and nitrite to nitrate. The live rock hosts the anaerobic bacteria (in the middle of the rock, and under the sand) necessary to denitrate. The anaerobic bacteria convert nitrate to free nitrogen which is then released into the atmosphere.

[chevyjaxon]

Originally Posted by Myka

No. In freahwater, the only way to get rid of nitrates is waterchanges or a heavily planted tank (plants feed on nitrate).

In saltwater, you have the aerobic bacteria (on the rock surfaces, and sand surfaces, etc) that convert ammonia to nitrite, and nitrite to nitrate. The live rock hosts the anaerobic bacteria (in the middle of the rock, and under the sand) necessary to denitrate. The anaerobic bacteria convert nitrate to free nitrogen which is then released into the atmosphere.

Quite true this is why I keep a power head moving the water at the top of the tank it helps release the nitrogen and also helps bring in oxygen

[kwirky]

What brand of test kit is it? If it's an elos, that jumps from 0 to 5 to 10, then I'd question how accurate it is at the 10 and under levels. If it's a salifert or the like then sounds like your liverock's doing it's job.