high nitrates... for a long time....

[lemcc]

this schultz can be found at homedepot or lowes
its redish-tan in color $25/25lb

if you want a blackish-gray you can get lesco soilmaster select $15/50lb

it will take sometime 1-3 months to establish the bacteria

the snails will eat the excess food and fish poo if you cant get mts's for free
i will mail you 50 for free you pay shipping

 

[lemcc]

pleco will be fine

 

[Cappuccino]

How big is your fish tank? This may be the problem, you see RBPs make a lot of ammonia which can cause nitrates. The only way to lower the nitrates is to get a bigger tank.