Any Ideas??

[Carl D]

Hi,

My 450L tank is filtered by an Eheim 2028 which is rated at 600L, but even though the filter is well oversized the nitrates not not drop enough at any time. I have thought about this a lot and can't think of any ideas why? Have you guys got any ideas??

Cheers,

Carl.

 

[Ewalk]

Because filters do not remove Nitrates. The only way to get rid of them is water changes. The bacteria in the filter will change the nitrites to nitrates but you have to do regular partial water changes to lower them. Most people say you should keep the Nitrates below 20 while nitrites and ammonia should be 0 if your tank is cycled.

 

[Oddball]

Great response. I'd like to add that live plants will remove some of the nitrates. However, usually not enough to forgo water changes.

 

[DeLgAdO]

Hi,

My 450L tank is filtered by an Eheim 2028 which is rated at 600L, but even though the filter is well oversized the nitrates not not drop enough at any time. I have thought about this a lot and can't think of any ideas why? Have you guys got any ideas??

Cheers,

Carl.

thats what radley miller was talking about
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41128

 

[Tongue33]

Plants!!!! PLants!!

It is the best way plant it

 

[Tongue33]

Great response. I'd like to add that live plants will remove some of the nitrates. However, usually not enough to forgo water changes.

Yes of course.. But water changes should be a given If i planted i would personally keep the same water change schedule.. Plants keep them lower you change just as often hence your water is healthier more of the time vs. no plants ..

 

[Carl D]

I know the nitrogen cycle, but surely the filter should break them down better than it is doing. Any plants would be eaten guys.

Carl.

 

[patricio]

how many fish do you have in there how big are they?

two many big fish make it very dificult to keep the nitrates at a safe level

 

[hillbilly]

Install a drip continuous water change system. It works for me and others.

 

[Oddball]

Just noticed you have all these monsters in a 120gal tank. And, your filtration only cycles the tank twice an hour. For the bio-load of the listed inhabitants, you need to quadruple the cycling rate of your filtration if you're to hope for any long term improvement of your parameters.