BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION

[ULOSECLOWN]

I have a 120 ga freshwater setup, XP3 and a Aquaclear 110 for filtration. Aquarium has been set up for about 8 months. longnose gar, longfin bichir, Pleco, Jaguar and Midas cichlids, pictus catfish, Jack Dempsy and green terror. I seem to have recurring problems with high nitrates. I complete 25% water changes and gravel vacuuming once to twice a month based on my water test results. I believe that my biological filtration is just not adequate. I use the ceramic cylinders in my aquaclear and the black stars in my xp3. Filter changes done once per month. I have tried a couple biological supplements with no changes. I am currently using a biological gel supplement that I purchased from Dr.Foster and Smith's. Does anyone have any advice how I can keep my nitrates in check?

 

[unstopable4700]

high nitrates means you are processing the wastes. nitrite and ammonia would be high if insufficent bio. what are your readings?

 

[bukster]

only economical way to keep nitrates in check is to do normal water changes like you should be doing anyway. if u still have too many cut back u'r feeding the food is just sitting on the bottom and being converted to nitrates.

 

[johnptc]

more water changes.. normal bio filters create nitrates

 

[Danh]

HEAVY and constantly cleaned mechanical filtration cuts back on nitrates without water changes.

 

[johnptc]

HEAVY and constantly cleaned mechanical filtration cuts back on nitrates without water changes.

how does that happen ???

cleaning filters will help but more filtration ???

 

[bukster]

they're saying when u clean all the crap off of u'r filter pads or sponges or whatever u'r essencially removing a lot of nitrates. as this will help u still need to do water changes regularly and gravel vac.

 

[johnptc]

they're saying when u clean all the crap off of u'r filter pads or sponges or whatever u'r essencially removing a lot of nitrates. as this will help u still need to do water changes regularly and gravel vac.

i can agree will that.......

more water changes

 

[mojo2776]

And you should probably be doing those water changes weekly.

 

[Merbeast]

Plants will help reduce nitrates, but there is no way around it, you NEED to do more water changes. Once or twice a month is no bueno. Once or twice a week will be much better for your fish.