PRESENCE AMMONIA AND NITRATE

[michaelnet12]

hi guys,

its been 2 months now, but my tank's ammonia level and nitrate level is still present. not very high
but my shrimps are not that active and hiding in the DW.

I have canister, Sponge Filter, and HOB filter installed. and i am using RO water. Tank is 15 gallons.

please advise...

[splur]

ada aquasoil? what substrate are you using?

[michaelnet12]

i use morfied control soil. shrimps are not active as well.
I have another issue, i am using the wire to tie the sponge in the inlet of Canister in the tank. Its the wire we usually get when you purchase a heater, there is
usually wire for tying the heater cables. is that copper? if so, does copper wire leak in the water?

[splur]

What exactly are your ammonia and nitrate levels? Depending on what's in your tap water, it's common to have <0.25 ppm ammonia and <5 ppm nitrate, depending on how well planted your tank is.

I have no idea what type of wire you have, but if it's copper it will leach into the water. It's kind of hard to miss whether it's copper or not though, is it metallic orange? Lol. Still, if it isn't stainless steel, I'd get it out of there anyways.