A LFS display tank has a nitrate PPM of over 9000...

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Carefree_Dude

Piranha
MFK Member
Feb 4, 2011
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Portland, OR
What is the best way to tell them they need a water change, without being rude?

Anyways, a local store has a display tank with several blood parrots. one got swim bladder disorder, and I offered to treat it for them. they bagged it up, and when i got home i tested the water just for kicks. Ammonia and nitrate were 0. I do the nitrate test, and while i'm still shaking it, the water turns a deep deep red. after a minute, the water is almost black. 5 minutes, and you have to hold it close to a light to see any red at all. I honestly don't know how high it is, and 9000 sounded like a good number. In the past, they told me they don't really touch the tank at all so i'm assuming this tank (which has been set up over 10 years) possibly hasn't had a water change ever.


Whats the nicest way to tell them to do a water change? sarcasm is my specialty, and I think i'm better off being nice here.
 
with that situation, i wouldnt even attempt to be nice... good old slap in the face and a long, rude, lecture would do them some good!

but if you must be nice... just simpley say that you tested there water and let them know what you found, and let them know what will happen if they dont start doing at least bi-weekly changes. im sure theyll let you show them how its done the first couple times and that theyll start doing them if you pile up the facts. and if not, well who knows man.
 
No fish would survive a nitrate concentration that high, so I would test it again just to double check. What is the actual nitrate level (I'm assuming you are using the "over 9000! internet meme).
If they were ok with you treating the fish, just tell them that you tested the water and got a high nitrate reading, and that you'd like to test it again to make sure you got the correct reading. Perhaps you doing this right in front of them and showing them the result will give you some leeway in suggesting a water change (or regular water changes). Heck, maybe this is an opportunity for you to take care of this tank for them, if you are interested and they will allow it. Could be a cool project.
 
Actual nitrate level can't be measured by my chart. color is far deeper and darker than anything on the chart. second test made it a real deep dark maroon color, very similar to the first but not quite as dark.
 
I called and told the girl in charge of the fish, she said that may be why several of her fish in there nay be dying. She sid shell do the water change sometime nexy week

Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com
 
Carefree_Dude;4978402; said:
I called and told the girl in charge of the fish, she said that may be why several of her fish in there nay be dying. She sid shell do the water change sometime nexy week

Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com
Click to expand...

Sometime next week, ah come on. If I was the girl I would be doing a water change right then and there. If it would have been me though they would have never got that bad. Readings that high would probaly have to go several months without a water change. Sounds to me like they need a new person in charge of the fish.

Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com
 
Carefree_Dude;4978402; said:
I called and told the girl in charge of the fish, she said that may be why several of her fish in there nay be dying. She sid shell do the water change sometime nexy week

Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com
Click to expand...


How did you go about it?

I think the best way to go about this kind of situation is to be genuin and sincere... show your passion and that the fish would appreciate a healthier environment...

The suggestions about 'giving them what they deserve' or something of that nature will almost get you know where.. they will become defensive and most likly kick yo *** out!!
 
erk419;4978445; said:
. Readings that high would probaly have to go several months without a water change.
Posted on mobile.monsterfishkeepers.com
Click to expand...

more like years lol

i get about 30ppm a week
that makes 90 a month
that makes 1080 a year.
No water changes for 8 years is what it would take.

Really doubt it's 9000. But probably is way too high for the fish's health.
 
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