I have a 280gallon 72x30x30in tank stocked with 2 silver arowanas, 3 cichla monoclus, sturgeon, 7 silver dollars, indonesian Tiger and an oscar. Nitrates are at 80ppm and it would never come down despite a huge water change. I use direct tap water + water conditioner as my water source. Can you recommend some ways to lower my nitrates? Thanks!
I use a huge sumo of 84gallons. got ni problems with ammonia and nitrite both are constant at 0ppm but the nitrates are always too high
I haven't tried measuring the nitrates of my tap but I assume it would be zero since it is treated with chlorine but thanks for mentioning, I'll get readings of my tap since its my only water source for my tanks
Try that then report back. In the mean time you can try a bunch of pothos plants.
Chlorine will not affect nitrates in your tap water. Some places have 30-40ppm nitrates coming in. Your tank is quite heavily stocked, how often and how much water do you change, and what are you testing with?
Welcome to MFK
Welcome to MFK
Nitrate is the end product of the nitrogen cycle. No amount of filtration takes nitrate away, only water changes. If you do huge water changes but still have high nitrate it is possibly your tap water, though by law it should never be anywhere near 80ppm from your tap.
And yes, you are overstocked which certainly doesn't help regarding nitrate. Test your tap water for nitrate. I suspect you'll have to thin your stock out and maybe go down the vegetation route too.
And yes, you are overstocked which certainly doesn't help regarding nitrate. Test your tap water for nitrate. I suspect you'll have to thin your stock out and maybe go down the vegetation route too.
Do more water changes.
Also, how is the tank filtered? If there's a canister filter or sump full of crud, that could be it. Or deep gravel...
Also, how is the tank filtered? If there's a canister filter or sump full of crud, that could be it. Or deep gravel...
Depending where you are, as mentioned before, nitrates could be in your tap water (especially if you're like me and live on old farmland). Another thing to consider is adding plants to your tank. These will also help eat up nitrates. I would recommend rhizome plants as they can handle being in a tank with big fish like that.