Nitrates and Plants

[Lurch1]

So, I was told or read or maybe I made it up...... I cant remember ANYWAYS, Nitrates between 20-30ppm for plants to be healthy. I have 2.5ppm. How do i get it up? I am only doing water changes 1/wk at 10-15%.

[fishboy]

You want to raise your nitrates ?
dont do water changes haha.

[Lurch1]

I know! Seems logical....... But isnt the water change thing a must?

[charlie]

Hi Lurch1, Nitrates is only one of several nutrients your plants need, adding one without the presence of the other nutrients will just create more problems for you.
The others are as follows Light, Carbon, NPK /Macro( Nitrates ,Phosphate & Potassium) & trace elements, everything listed after lights will be dictated as to if you need to add, qty & frequency by the type & amount of light, for a more detailed read check this site out, it provides a ton of info on almost everything about planted tanks.
http://www.rexgrigg.com/ferts.htm
Hope that helps