Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A poster from the talkto.thefrog forums suggested I come here to ask you my question because you would know the answer.
I was wondering if nitrates in the water of my bronze frog's tank could be harmful.
Thanks for your time!

A lesson for the rest of you...
Nitrates are one the products of the nitrogen cycle, a series of chemical changes by bacteria that breaks down organic waste. Ammonia is the first product produced, it is sometimes secreted directly by aquatic amphibians. Any detectable amount of ammonia is too much! Nitrites are produced second and although it is less toxic than ammonia, it can easily be produced up to toxic levels. Nitrates (yes a difference of just one letter, but it does make a difference!) is the least toxic and of little concern to most people who have proper filtration and do regular water exchanges. The problem with nitrates is that it can build up in water unless it is physically removed. It can be taken up by plants/algae, and taken up by anaerobic bacteria (producing methane gas, like in freshwater swamps). But in a home aquarium, removing water and replacing it with clean water is the only practical way of removing nitrates. Generally for aquariums, levels above 100ppm are toxic. This would be off the scale on most hobbyist test kits.

In conclusion, you sure can find toxic levels of nitrates, but as long as you are aware of ammonia and nitrite first, then it shouldn't be a problem. The key is proper filtration, don't skimp on it. If you are using a water bowl or water that is frequently replaced, nitrates are little consequence since there so little time to establish bacteria long enough to produce nitrates.

Water chemistry is below.
click here for the link

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...the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."
Calvin and Hobbes (Scientific Progress Goes 'Boink', 1991)

Are you saying aquatic frogs are not affected under 100ppm of nitrates?

That number came from my literature, although I personally haven't seen the effects of nitrate poisoning. I am also saying that with the minimal amount of maintenance, nitrate levels shouldn't get that high.
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...the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."
Calvin and Hobbes (Scientific Progress Goes 'Boink', 1991)

I have seen it in fish enough. I expect it is much the same in aquatic frogs.
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Andy Maddox
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